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: patience
Psalm 16, 19 April 2020
Easter slides by, unusually restrained for a major celebration of the Christian year. The long period of many weeks after Easter and beyond Pentecost stretches ahead. The prospect may reinforce in your mind the long adjustment we have been facing to life in Covidian times. We are in this for the long haul. Take a … Continue reading Psalm 16, 19 April 2020
Psalm 130, 29 March 20
You may be excused for feeling that, along with all humanity, you are sinking into the depths of the unknown. Psalm 130 is timely. Last week, some readers remarked that the Lectionary choice of Psalm 23 was very relevant and appropriate for these times of unusual distress. This week's Psalm 130, the sixth Penitential Psalm, … Continue reading Psalm 130, 29 March 20
Psalm 130, 2 April 2017
This psalm is another song of ascent (psalms 120 to 134). It’s also the sixth of seven penitential psalms: not that it matters greatly, as the idea of ascent captures the imagination more powerfully. The song is a statement of the mystery not only of the human condition, with all its faults and frustrations, but also of our access to grace. The … Continue reading Psalm 130, 2 April 2017
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 40
Psalm 40, which comes up in March each year as well as Epiphany in Year A, is a rich and captivating poem, said to be by David. It begins with patience, awe, thanks and song: God set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. God put a new song in … Continue reading Psalm 40
Psalm 77 again, Solstice
Solstice in the south The shortest (and longest) day has just passed (as has the Solstice reference at South Woden last Sunday -- but here are a couple more ideas anyway.) It's cold in Canberra but from now on, those dark evenings will gradually lighten. Previously at the Solstice we have picked up a common … Continue reading Psalm 77 again, Solstice
Psalm 5; 12 June 16
Recognise this? Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness, make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only, that makest me dwell in safety. It's a paraphrase of Psalm 5:8 by Samuel Wesley, sometimes used as a short sung prayer. Both words and tune are compelling, although in … Continue reading Psalm 5; 12 June 16
Psalms 74, 75
Book 3, as mentioned previously, is the home of the songs of the musician Asaph. His first five are not included in the lectionary, the next five are. Psalm 74 Psalms for all seasons offers but one setting, the well-known O come, Emmanuel (VENI EMMANUEL 88.88 with refrain). This is an interesting choice, since it uses … Continue reading Psalms 74, 75
Psalms 9 and 10, skips
Psalm 10 never makes it into the weekly Lectionary readings, but 9 just sneaks in: "Year B, ordinary time, June 19-25 (if after Trinity)". Sounds iffy indeed. But still, 9 does not qualify as a 'skip'. So on to 10. But wait! In the early Septuagint translation and the original Hebrew, these two songs were one. (1) … Continue reading Psalms 9 and 10, skips
Psalms in the South 