This song 'of David' only just makes it into the lectionary, once in Year B alone. However, the themes of supplication, forgiveness, trust and peace are familiar from many other similar songs. The last verse seems to set it aside, not as an expression of divine protection for this is another common theme, but as … Continue reading Psalm 4, 15 April 18
Tag: David
Psalm 29, 7 Jan 2018
These days, voices frequently heard are those of political arrogance, religious friction, the rich getting richer, vigorous and exclusive nationalism and faint calls for assistance to the suppressed. While such evidence seems to support the 'God is dead' theory, much of it is the bad news, unbalanced if not fake, served up by commercial interests … Continue reading Psalm 29, 7 Jan 2018
Psalm 86, Solstice
There’s no hint of it in the text of Psalm 86 but the Lectionary occasionally (Year A) trots this song out at around the time of the solstice. For those in 'the South', this is the winter solstice, shortest day in the southern hemisphere calendar. [Readers in the northern hemisphere might have to find a point of … Continue reading Psalm 86, Solstice
Psalm 119
Note: This post re-introduces the longest psalm, sections of which arise in the next two weeks. Subsequent posts will look more closely at sections as they appear in the Lectionary, starting with Aleph then He on the following Sunday. Psalm 119 has at its heart the 'law', or the premises principles, and promises of God. At 176 … Continue reading Psalm 119
Psalm 15, 29 Jan 17
Psalm 15 (text here>) this week, probably used as an introit or gradual, asks who may dwell in God’s ‘tent’ or ‘holy hill’. The remaining verses provide a checklist of rather challenging qualifiers, from the grand ‘live blameless’ to the nitty-gritty of ‘take no bribes’. The challenge is really encouraging the reader continually to seek to connect with sources of divine presence … Continue reading Psalm 15, 29 Jan 17
Psalm 27, 22 Jan 2017
This psalm offers encouragement in difficult times, weaving together two contrasting but commanding threads. First is the imagery of light, beauty and goodness. Calling to mind references to the 'light of the world' (John 8:12) and 'light upon my path' (Psalm 119:105), it is a theme found in many psalms. Many readers will be familiar with the opening verse: "God is my light and … Continue reading Psalm 27, 22 Jan 2017
Psalm 40, 15 Jan 2017
Psalm 40, which comes up in March each year as well as this one in Epiphany in Year A, is a rich and captivating poem, said to be by David. It begins with patience, awe, thanks and song: God set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. God put a … Continue reading Psalm 40, 15 Jan 2017
Psalm 29, 8 Jan 2017
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 (said to be David) assures us that through all the elemental turbulence of life, the divine spirit reigns supreme. A familiar voice from someone well-known but out … Continue reading Psalm 29, 8 Jan 2017
Psalm 59: Judge fairly
In Psalm 59 as in many others, context and time are important. The situation is referred to in the introduction: To the leader: Do not destroy. Of David. A Miktam, when Saul ordered his house to be watched in order to kill him. The phrase "Do not destroy", like "Miktam", is obscure but may mean … Continue reading Psalm 59: Judge fairly
Psalm 58
David is certainly angry in Psalm 58, primarily against rulers who are wicked, unjust and violent. Although this poem does not appear in the Lectionary, this feature alone makes it entirely relevant in today's world as an expression of indignation and as a prayer for improvement in the rule of law and equity. However, anger can lead … Continue reading Psalm 58
Psalms in the South 