‘Let those who are wise consider the steadfast love of God’ (43) Many threads to a story. ‘Songlines’ exhibition at National Gallery of Australia, Feb 2018. Many of the psalms include references to widely varying ideas, statements and twists tossed in that at first sight seem to confuse. Sometimes they meld into a tasty, herbal mix: … Continue reading Psalm 107, 14 March 2021
Tag: help
Psalm 71, 25 Aug 19
We have been rejoicing in the recent birth of a baby girl called Mica in Berlin, not a direct relative but whose parents are known and dear to us and to our family. The wonder of new life in all its variations and energy and pain resonates in the early verses of Psalm 71: "You … Continue reading Psalm 71, 25 Aug 19
Psalm 107, 4 August 2019
Many of the psalms seem to have pithy sayings or random or widely varying ideas. Such statements and logic twists can, at first sight, be rather confusing. Sometimes they meld into a tasty, herbal mix: others just coexist, leaving the reader to ponder. Psalm 107, the first of Book V of the Psalter, has sections … Continue reading Psalm 107, 4 August 2019
Psalm 121, 12 March 2017
I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (v.1) Or so went this familiar line from Psalm 121 in that old dusty King James version on the top shelf somewhere. This is the second of the songs of ascent (120 to 134). Originating perhaps as pilgrimage songs, the psalms of … Continue reading Psalm 121, 12 March 2017
Psalm 54
In seven short verses, David rehearses the themes encountered in many of the psalms, a cry for divine attention, safety and justice. At the end, reminded of past faithfulness and deliverance, he is moved to give thanks and more -- a freewill offering and sacrifice. Psalm 54 just squeaks into the lectionary in one year as an … Continue reading Psalm 54
Psalm 46
This is one of those short songs studded with some quite memorable lines, such as: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble (v.1) There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God (v.4) Be still then, and know that I am God (v.10) It also has … Continue reading Psalm 46
Psalm 140, 141 and 142, skips
While we are in Book 5 of the Psalter, there's a group of three skips here in Psalms 140, 141 and 142. All are attributed to David, whose life story should inform our interpretation as we read or sing them. All contain a plea in distress. Psalm 140. This call for rescue from attack by a violent enemy … Continue reading Psalm 140, 141 and 142, skips
Psalm 124, 24 Aug 14
If God be for us, who can be against us? This well-known verse is found not in the psalms but in Romans 8:31. It contains the same message as Psalm 124, and in particular the last verse which has become a standard line in many liturgies: Our help is in the name of the Lord. As … Continue reading Psalm 124, 24 Aug 14
CIMF helpers
May is the month for the Canberra International Music Festival, with an extensive program of musical events. Several of our regular singers will be performing in at least one event (think Brahms, not psalms). Details are available at cimf.org.au. Each year many highly talented and accomplished musicians come to Canberra from far and wide to make … Continue reading CIMF helpers
Psalm 121, 16 March 2014
I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (v.1) Or so went this familiar line from Psalm 121 in that old dusty King James version on the top shelf somewhere. This is a song of ascent or access - like Psalm 15 that we sang on 2 February: who … Continue reading Psalm 121, 16 March 2014
Psalms in the South 