Psalm 2 has a very modern message, as nations conspire and people plot in vain; the rulers of the earth set themselves and leaders take counsel together ... 'Let us cast their cords from us'. (v.1-3) Rulers seeking to throw off the 'bonds' of God. This author will be the first to recognise that there … Continue reading Psalm 2, 2 March 2014
Tag: antiphon
Psalm 119 continued, 23 Feb 14
We thank the carers' group for leading this worship on 23 February. The carers work diligently behind the scenes to keep in touch with all our members, to respond to their needs or just to be there in times of stress. We are thankful for their dedication and faithfulness. The psalm This week we continue … Continue reading Psalm 119 continued, 23 Feb 14
Psalm 119, 16 Feb 14
This week and next, we dip into two sections of the longest psalm. The psalm We're talking Psalm 119, of course - not the whole lot, as it runs to 176 verses, just the first eight. This long psalm is a succession of 8-verse sections, each acrostically labelled with a Hebrew letter. We sing Aleph this week and He the following … Continue reading Psalm 119, 16 Feb 14
The crystal ball
Christmas and New Year celebrations seem ancient history already! Thanks to Dal, Jo, Bette and Brian for Psalm 112, Light rises in darkness last Sunday. The week before, we sang a blessing (in lovely harmony of course) upon our young people as they launch forth upon a new academic year. Relishing those aural memories and a … Continue reading The crystal ball
Psalm 112, 9 Feb 2014
Light rises in darkness when justice rules our lives. This is the antiphon from our chosen setting of Psalm 112 in Together in Song number 69; it's a paraphrase based on verse 4. It contains a powerful message - although just what 'justice' might mean in our daily lives is open to question. As usual, … Continue reading Psalm 112, 9 Feb 2014
Psalm 15, 2 Feb 14
Psalm 15 is short and direct. It asks the question: Who may dwell in the presence of the divine? Who can abide on your holy hill? No problem: live a blameless life speak the truth don't cast discredit on others do no evil ... and so on Sets the bar pretty high, you will agree. … Continue reading Psalm 15, 2 Feb 14
Psalm 27, 26 Jan 14
Hang on, what happened to this coming Sunday 19 Jan? A slightly different but interesting worship will be led by Gwenda with some of her typically thoughtful ideas yet to be revealed - that do not include singing a psalm. I take the opportunity to sketch out the next few weeks, Plan B or C … Continue reading Psalm 27, 26 Jan 14
Psalm 29, 12 Jan 14
The voice of God is a constant and powerful theme in this psalm - thundering over the mighty waters, shaking the wilderness, breaking cedars or flashing forth in flames. The psalmist assures us that through all the elemental turbulence of life, God reigns supreme. In God's house, all sing 'Glory' and pray for strength. The psalm … Continue reading Psalm 29, 12 Jan 14
Psalms in the South 