What is the collective noun for a collection of the Penitential Psalms? A pen, a pinch, pack, pouch, pluck, pocket-full or penn'th of Penitentials? It's certainly not a pride, preen or prance. Given that one of them is Ps. 130 Out of the depths, perhaps it's a Plunge of Penitentials. Let's stick with Pen. Whatever … Continue reading A Pen of Penitentials, 20 May 18
Tag: penitence
Psalm 22 Good Friday 2018
This psalm appears on Good Friday due to verse 1, which Jesus quoted on the cross, and subsequent predictions: My God, why have you forsaken me? Much has been said in previous posts on this psalm. 🎵 The Good Friday observance is sometimes conducted with little or no music in a period of quiet contemplation. … Continue reading Psalm 22 Good Friday 2018
Psalm 51, 18 March 2018
St Patrick’s Day slides by largely unremarked. (I did have a Celtic style song based on last week's Psalm 107 up my sleeve; however, our singers' rendition of Everett's three-part refrain for 107, repeated in PFAS, was a pleasing and inspiring addition.) This week we preview that well-used Psalm 51, thereby moving into more sober territory … Continue reading Psalm 51, 18 March 2018
Psalm 86, Solstice
There’s no hint of it in the text of Psalm 86 but the Lectionary occasionally (Year A) trots this song out at around the time of the solstice. For those in 'the South', this is the winter solstice, shortest day in the southern hemisphere calendar. [Readers in the northern hemisphere might have to find a point of … Continue reading Psalm 86, Solstice
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 32, 5 March 2017
Psalm 32 is one of the psalms of penitence (the second after Ps. 6; this theme takes up the first half of the song), but also of refuge -- "You are my hiding-place" (vv. 6 -7). Then it changes direction, breaks into other riffs of guidance or wisdom (8-9) and finally thanksgiving. Of the seven traditional penitentials, David in this song is … Continue reading Psalm 32, 5 March 2017
Psalm 51, 23 October 2015
A note for the locals This Sunday with Arto at the helm, we turn not to the set psalm (65) but to one of the popular and prominent penitential psalms, 51, often used on Ash Wednesday. This song reveals a contrite David after the prophet Nathan courageously confronted him over his lapse of appropriate behaviour with Bathsheba. … Continue reading Psalm 51, 23 October 2015
Psalm 102, Penitential 5
Two voices emerge for the reader during this extended lament. A sad David seems to be suffering from a degenerative illness. Yet in the midst of distress and weariness, his Voice 1 can yet find a peaceful and somehow comforting image for his isolation and worry: I am like an owl of the wilderness, a little … Continue reading Psalm 102, Penitential 5
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 38
The third of the seven Penitentials, this psalm is glass half empty -- no, make that a quarter -- through to verse 14. The opening verses mirror those of the first Penitential Psalm, 6. The singer regrets failure, inadequacy, illness and a thorough-going weariness. Then comes the half full, and an urgent request for comfort: For in you … Continue reading Psalm 38
