[At Woden Valley this week: scroll right down Psalm 51 is the fourth or middle of the so-called ‘Penitential Psalms’. The subtitle is instructive: "To the leader. A Psalm of David, when the prophet Nathan came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba." So this is a sincere prayer by David seeking forgiveness and … Continue reading Psalm 51: 21 March 2021
Tag: mercy
Psalm 143, penitential 7
Note: the set readings for 9 October 2016 are Psalms 66 or 111. Both have been discussed in previous posts which can be found via Library & Index in the list of pages. The seven so-called penitential psalms (more>) start at 6 and are sprinkled throughout the psalter, running to the fourth -- the great Psalm 51 (recipient of … Continue reading Psalm 143, penitential 7
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 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
Psalms in the South 