Search me O God and know my heart; try me and know my restless thoughts. (v. 23) First instincts, you would think, would be to hide away known failings, bad habits or secret prejudice. Other-approval can be a strong influence on what we say, on whether we open up. Here, however, David feels transparent in … Continue reading Psalm 139, 19 July 2020
Tag: caring
Psalm 23, 3 May ’20
Psalm 23 comes around frequently. It appeared just six weeks ago, when we were wondering if lockdown was for real. Here we are now in waters that are artificially still, yet they are troubled not far below the surface. This psalm takes us into a new dimension of stillness, a banquet of hopeful opportunity in … Continue reading Psalm 23, 3 May ’20
Psalms 118 and 31, Palm Sunday
Palms at Percy Island, Barrier Reef Why two psalms? Because there are two commemorations going on here for Palm Sunday - the palms and the passion. In early years, two separate liturgical celebrations were observed: the first commemorated the Passion of Jesus; later in the day, a procession of people carried palms to the Great … Continue reading Psalms 118 and 31, Palm Sunday
Psalm 23, 22 March 20
What better offering than Psalm 23 as our communities shut down in the face of the global pandemic? Even though I walk in the shadow of the valley of death, I shall fear no evil. For you are with me. So read, enjoy, sing, meditate upon this great song. Needless to say, there are hundreds … Continue reading Psalm 23, 22 March 20
Psalm 63, 28 Feb 2016
Just like last week, Psalm 63 for Lent 3 holds familiar words and imagery, water this time rather than light: You are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (Ps. 63:1) The preceding lectionary reading from the Old … Continue reading Psalm 63, 28 Feb 2016
Psalm 80, 20 Dec 15
With the Song of Mary as the canticle of the week and Christmas carols in the air, Psalm 80 is not likely to be much heard. Still, it's worth a look for several reasons. The modern reader might be mystified by the historical references that come up early in the song; you might dig Israel and Joseph but why … Continue reading Psalm 80, 20 Dec 15
Psalm 147, 8 Feb 15
This psalm of praise calls us to be happy in the creation and this evidence of divine caring. Sure enough, we are to pull out our lyres again in order to sing those praises (v.7). Bring yours on Sunday. Recalling the Hospitals Chaplain's words last week, almost in continuity the Psalm reminds us: God heals the brokenhearted, and binds up … Continue reading Psalm 147, 8 Feb 15
Psalm 17, 3 Aug 14
Psalm 17 (click here for the text) this week looks like a continuation of recent lectionary readings. David, for it is attributed to him, asks for purity and protection. Having heard recently from Psalm 119:105 about the lamp to the feet and the light for the path, David runs up a variation on the theme : My footsteps hold fast … Continue reading Psalm 17, 3 Aug 14
Psalm 68, 1 June 2014
The merry month of May, with its beautiful autumn leaves and the busy international music festival, departs. Only three weeks to the shortest day of the year when Keith, returning from the wilds of Celtic islands in another hemisphere, will lead a worship service at South Woden at the Winter Solstice. But for this Sunday, it's the first ten … Continue reading Psalm 68, 1 June 2014
Psalm 116, 2 and 4 May 14
Just add a century from No 16 last week. Skipping over a whole hundred psalms! Amazing - and there are 50 more if you do not count that old No 151. Such a rich treasury of imagery, inspiration, prayer, encouragement and song. Psalm 116, like 30 and others, is a paean of thanks for deliverance … Continue reading Psalm 116, 2 and 4 May 14
Psalms in the South 