Here you have classic arm-waving poetry, the poet overcome by the glory and power of the creation -- and Creator. His or her feelings are quite infectious: Bless God, O my soul. O my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment. You stretch … Continue reading Psalm 104, 18 Oct 15
Tag: light
Psalm 4, 19 April 2015
This psalm is full of angles. (I nearly typed 'angels' having in mind the fine crew of harmonisers singing psalm and song with me last week, thank you all; and now having just seen a tweet on a choir of angels) Each verse seems to switch to a new idea, like a train track with many splits … Continue reading Psalm 4, 19 April 2015
Shadows and light
Recent speakers at South Woden have chosen the topics of light and water for their reflections. Meanwhile, during Lent we are conscious of the shadows and earth, complementary elements. We enjoyed last week a lovely setting of Psalm 51 by Lassus. our people are involved in all sorts of other musical contributions. We mention but … Continue reading Shadows and light
Psalm 72, 4 Jan 2015
Here we are in 2015! The beginning of the calendar year and, in the already-established church year, the end of Christmas and nearly Epiphany. The lectionary leads us to Psalm 147 on the second Sunday after Christmas, and Psalm 72 for Epiphany (6 January). We concentrate on the latter this week, though it must be said that … Continue reading Psalm 72, 4 Jan 2015
Psalm 139, 20 July 2014
What you see and what you think you see are not always the same thing. Is this an image of smoke-rings, a bicycle or a piece of post-modern art?Have you ever thought you knew someone well only to find out they have a very different side to them from that which you have known?This may be … Continue reading Psalm 139, 20 July 2014
Psalm 119:105ff 13 July 2014
Enter '119' in the Search field at right and you come up with four posts on this psalm over less than a year -- this one makes five. Five times out of 150 psalms is favouritism, surely? No; at 176 verses this is longest psalm -- and the longest chapter in the Bible. So we've been taking small … Continue reading Psalm 119:105ff 13 July 2014
Psalm 13, 29 June 14 – How long?
This Sunday we hear a simple but urgent lament in Psalm 13, in which the key question is 'How long?' That internal anxious silence before we receive an inkling of an answer, some source of relief, comfort or bounty - all ideas that jostle into the six short verses of this lament. How long have you forgotten … Continue reading Psalm 13, 29 June 14 – How long?
Psalm 118, 13 Apr 14 – Palms
An educational sign in the new Red Garden of our wonderful National Botanic Gardens tells us they are not sure if palms growing in remote corners of the Kimberley, like those depicted here, were native to Australia or imported with aboriginal people many thousands of years ago. Apparently there's 'some debate' about it. On the other hand, another sign only … Continue reading Psalm 118, 13 Apr 14 – Palms
Psalm 27, 26 Jan 14
Hang on, what happened to this coming Sunday 19 Jan? A slightly different but interesting worship will be led by Gwenda with some of her typically thoughtful ideas yet to be revealed - that do not include singing a psalm. I take the opportunity to sketch out the next few weeks, Plan B or C … Continue reading Psalm 27, 26 Jan 14
Psalms in the South 