This is the 400th post in Psalms in the South. Thanks to all readers and contributors over the last seven years. For comments or ideas for the future, please use the Comments field at the foot of the page (after the survey form). I will sing to God for dealing with me richly (Ps. 13:6) … Continue reading 400th: Psalm 13, 28 June ’20
Tag: lamentation
Psalm 22, Good Friday 2020
My God, why have you forsaken me? (verse 1) With this quotation by Jesus on the cross, Psalm 22 thus became etched into the Easter tradition. Other prophetic verses from this lament reinforced the moment: They wag their heads saying: 'You trusted in God; let God deliver you' (7, 8) They pierce my hands and … Continue reading Psalm 22, Good Friday 2020
Psalm 4, 15 April 18
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
Psalm 22 Good Friday 2018
This psalm appears on Good Friday due to verse 1, which Jesus quoted on the cross, and subsequent predictions: My God, why have you forsaken me? Much has been said in previous posts on this psalm. 🎵 The Good Friday observance is sometimes conducted with little or no music in a period of quiet contemplation. … Continue reading Psalm 22 Good Friday 2018
Psalm 31, 14 May 17
This psalm, combining many common themes of supplication, distress, trust and courage in diversity, appeared in the Lectionary just last month. It was discussed in a post for Palm Sunday, a summary of which follows. This is a rich psalm, combining feelings of confidence and security together with a sense of danger, sorrow and dismay. Enduring all … Continue reading Psalm 31, 14 May 17
Psalm 43
Note. Psalm 43 was almost ignored when it came up last time (June 2016) since the Lectionary adds it to Psalm 42 as a combined reading -- and there is a good reason for that. It appears in its own right, but only as the alternative reading, late in Year A, 5 Nov 2017. This interim … Continue reading Psalm 43
Psalm 102, Penitential 5
Two voices emerge for the reader during this extended lament. A sad David seems to be suffering from a degenerative illness. Yet in the midst of distress and weariness, his Voice 1 can yet find a peaceful and somehow comforting image for his isolation and worry: I am like an owl of the wilderness, a little … Continue reading Psalm 102, Penitential 5
Psalm 137, 2 Oct 16; Babylon
Note: The readings this week are from Lamentations, with the alternative choices of Psalms 137, the subject of this post, or 37. See an earlier post for Psalm 37. By the rivers of Babylon -- there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion. (Ps. 137:1) We may not remember Zion, but having often sung … Continue reading Psalm 137, 2 Oct 16; Babylon
Psalm 79, 18 Sep 2016
This song by Asaph voices a communal lament for the defeat of Jerusalem, seeking safety and justice until the people can "give thanks forever from generation to generation". It's another "How long?" song, themes taken up by many song writers including Canadians Steve Bell and Linnea Good. The psalter is riven through with songs of the blues and … Continue reading Psalm 79, 18 Sep 2016
Psalm 69
Sometimes themes and verses are repeated so often in the psalms that it's hard to find new inspiration. In Psalm 69, we hear again the laments and prayers of someone who feels enmity, opposition, slander and loneliness, the while giving thanks for merciful love and safety in divine provision. Fresh, however, is imagery of sinking in swirling waters -- 'up … Continue reading Psalm 69
Psalms in the South 