This Sunday we enjoy another visit by our good friends in The Gospel Folk ably led by stalwart friend, supporter and Psalm Team singer Brian. The energy and swing of Gospel singing will be most welcome. Hang on; for months I have been cooking up an arrangement of the set psalm, 90 (text here>), quite without reference … Continue reading Psalm 90, 26 October 2014
Tag: male voices
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
Psalm 105, 27 July 14
Psalm 105 is a song of praise, as indeed are 106 and 107 that follow. The opening lines sound familiar, as such phrases occur throughout the Bible: Confitemini Domino et invocate nomen ejus Give glory to the Lord, and call upon his name The next verse narrows the focus to set the theme as historical narrative, evidence that has provided confidence for … Continue reading Psalm 105, 27 July 14
Crystal Ball, July to September 14
The Crystal Ball post for June did not quite foresee how lovely the music selections would turn out to be these last weeks. Many thanks to our singers in various combinations for not just good song but also for enthusiasm, support and interpretation of this engaging and meaningful poetry. The current snapshot Singers are invited to sign up … Continue reading Crystal Ball, July to September 14
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 66, 25 May 14
This psalm is a cry of joy for divine guidance and deliverance. Come and hear, you who fear our maker, as I tell how God rescued my soul I cried to God and was answered; God's praise is ever on my lips (vv. 8, 9) The psalmist feels that he has been pulled through the … Continue reading Psalm 66, 25 May 14
Psalm 23, 11 May 14
The 'Shepherd Psalm' needs no introduction or commentary here, so none is offered. If you have the vague feeling that you have read that somewhere previously, it's just the post for 30 March, unashamedly copied almost holus-bolus. Music You may imagine this psalm to be irrevocably associated with Jessie Irving's famous tune CRIMOND. This week however, not the … Continue reading Psalm 23, 11 May 14
Psalm 16, 27 April 14
Like the twenty-third, this is a psalm of trust and rest in divine presence, the source of goodness and guidance. The description of God as the psalmist's portion and cup evoke familiar imagery in themes that connect not only with Christian ritual but daily life. Less familiar but interesting is the image in verse 6: The boundary lines have … Continue reading Psalm 16, 27 April 14
Psalm 23, 30 March 14
The 'Shepherd Psalm' needs no introduction or commentary here, so none is offered. Music You may imagine this one to be irrevocably associated with Jessie Irving's famous tune CRIMOND. This week however, being the last Sunday of the month, we take advantage of the presence of a male voice quartet to do something different. Remaining respectful … Continue reading Psalm 23, 30 March 14
Psalm 119 continued, 23 Feb 14
We thank the carers' group for leading this worship on 23 February. The carers work diligently behind the scenes to keep in touch with all our members, to respond to their needs or just to be there in times of stress. We are thankful for their dedication and faithfulness. The psalm This week we continue … Continue reading Psalm 119 continued, 23 Feb 14
Psalms in the South 