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: Lassus
Psalm 119E, 19 Feb 17
Note: An introduction to Psalm 119 was posted last week. He, ח This fifth section (33-40) reads like a plea from a faltering student for assistance in following a path that is definitely right but steep or poorly defined. The psalmist seeks divine tuition in the way of right statutes, understanding of the law, and the … Continue reading Psalm 119E, 19 Feb 17
Psalm 96, Christmas 2016
[To see more recent Christmas psalm post for 2020, click here> or see Index.] Psalms 96 to 98 Psalms 96 to 98 appear often in the Lectionary, particularly at Christmas but also at other ordinary times during the year. The triplet forms a joyful package for a joyful occasion: these three songs for Christmas sing out in … Continue reading Psalm 96, Christmas 2016
Psalm 52, 17 July 2016
Psalm 52 is another of those songs that can sound vindictive and unforgiving when encountered outside its historical setting. Fortunately, the preamble refers to Doeg and Saul, thereby providing the requisite clues. Doeg is not, one has to admit, a big name in biblical tales. A devious fellow, it seems, which is what got David … Continue reading Psalm 52, 17 July 2016
Psalms 44, 53 and 55
These three psalms tell of moments of grief, fear, shame or anger caused by conflict of one sort or another. While they all on first reading have a flavour of violence, and all are omitted from the weekly lectionary readings, they should not be ignored. They actually argue for reliance on divine truth and protection rather than the sword. … Continue reading Psalms 44, 53 and 55
Psalms 108, 109, 110
The first psalm in Book 5 of the Psalter, 107 is included in the Revised Common Lectionary; but then 108 is the first of three consecutive 'skips', all songs attributed to David. (Thirteen of the 44 psalms in Book 5 are omitted.) Unsurprisingly, relatively few musical setting appear in our regular sources. Psalm 108 There's a little recycling going … Continue reading Psalms 108, 109, 110
Psalm 7
First, many thanks to our women who provided such beautiful singing and leadership in Psalm 30 on 10 April. A confident and inspiring crafting of words and flow of music liberate listeners to follow and respond to the narrative and spirit of the song. Next Sunday, that old favourite the Shepherd Psalm -- El Señor es mi Pastor. Iris reads the … Continue reading Psalm 7
Psalm 6
Next up in the skip and jump series is 6, the first of the so-called penitential psalms. The author is suffering, weak and weary, seeking healing and freedom. Near the end of the song, the author declares relief; "God accepts my prayer" (v.9). Recall a line sung by our male voice quartet recently: Those who sow … Continue reading Psalm 6
Psalm 32, 6 March 2016
International Women's Day on 8 March is an important day in many churches including South Woden, a community who has long valued inclusive and egalitarian policies and practices. One cannot define the divine in terms of our own human gender. Our practice here as we sing psalm verses is carefully to paraphrase the sung text to … Continue reading Psalm 32, 6 March 2016
Skip and jump; 37, 92, 138
The poetic moods in the psalms range from dark and penitent to skipping and jumping. Sometimes several moods mix in any one song, making the choice of a suitably supportive musical style challenging. The title today is occasioned by a different issue, that of the psalms we do not hear. Some we jump because they did … Continue reading Skip and jump; 37, 92, 138
Psalms in the South 