Like most songs of Ascent, this is brief and to the point. Three verses extolling simplicity, honesty and humility, with a fourth calling for Israel, or the people of God, to wait in reverence. And as one of the songs of ascent (120 to 134), the poem is said to be one of pilgrimage (see also the comment on … Continue reading Psalm 131
Tag: peace
Psalm 46
This is one of those short songs studded with some quite memorable lines, such as: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble (v.1) There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God (v.4) Be still then, and know that I am God (v.10) It also has … Continue reading Psalm 46
Psalm 20
Psalm 20 appears only once in the three years of the Lectionary -- and I probably missed it when it came up last year because we were in Berlin again. After a gracious prayer for safety and prosperity in time of trouble, the psalmist (this song is attributed to David) goes on to warn against … Continue reading Psalm 20
Psalm 120, Ascents
This is the first of a group of fifteen psalms from 120 to 134 called the Songs of Ascent. Most of them are quite short, between 5 and 8 verses; one (132) is longer but is surrounded (131, 133, 134) by poems of just three verses each. Originating perhaps as pilgrim songs, they are sometimes … Continue reading Psalm 120, Ascents
Psalms 76, 77, 26 June 16
Psalm 76 makes a strong plea for a peaceable world where divine power and justice are the forces to be revered. In the city of God: ... God broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword and the weapons of war ... none of the warriors can lift a hand. (v.3, 5) Just as we saw … Continue reading Psalms 76, 77, 26 June 16
Psalm 134
This short psalm, another 'skip' as it does not appear in the RCL, is a song of ascent, or gradual. Hence the illustration, one I have used for songs of ascent over several years. It took my fancy since it looks like inspiring countryside and a great view, but a perhaps a tough and indirect climb. Who has climbed … Continue reading Psalm 134
Psalm 23, 17 April 2016
On Good Friday we noted that, in the midst of darkness of Psalm 22 (why have you forsaken me?), the restoration and peace in the next psalm was not far away. So here they are, those pastures green and cup overflowing of Psalm 23. How sweet is resolution after a time of conflict, oppression or depression. The Psalter does … Continue reading Psalm 23, 17 April 2016
Psalm 29, 10 Jan 16
What you see is what you get in this simple song of praise and awe. The poem is all about divine creativity, influence and majesty, poetically characterised as the voice of God. The voice That high-octane voice is declared to be in thunder, in the breaking down of cedars and shaking of lands; we hear of fire, flood and … Continue reading Psalm 29, 10 Jan 16
Psalm 80, 20 Dec 15
With the Song of Mary as the canticle of the week and Christmas carols in the air, Psalm 80 is not likely to be much heard. Still, it's worth a look for several reasons. The modern reader might be mystified by the historical references that come up early in the song; you might dig Israel and Joseph but why … Continue reading Psalm 80, 20 Dec 15
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
Psalms in the South 