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
Tag: penitence
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
Psalm 6
Next up in the skip and jump series is 6, the first of the so-called penitential psalms. The author is suffering, weak and weary, seeking healing and freedom. Near the end of the song, the author declares relief; "God accepts my prayer" (v.9). Recall a line sung by our male voice quartet recently: Those who sow … Continue reading Psalm 6
Psalm 32, 6 March 2016
International Women's Day on 8 March is an important day in many churches including South Woden, a community who has long valued inclusive and egalitarian policies and practices. One cannot define the divine in terms of our own human gender. Our practice here as we sing psalm verses is carefully to paraphrase the sung text to … Continue reading Psalm 32, 6 March 2016
Psalm 51; a tale
The recent recurrence on 2 August of Psalm 51, of which much has been written in this blog, reminds us of another popular story. In Latin, the psalm begins 'Miserere' meaning 'Have mercy' (for more, see for example the post for 15 March 2015>). A quite stunning and famous setting by Gregorio Allegri was written for two choirs in about … Continue reading Psalm 51; a tale
Psalm 51, 2 August 2015
Psalm 51 is one of the so-called 'Penitential Psalms', the fourth in fact. It begins: Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. It goes on in this tone until a glimmer of … Continue reading Psalm 51, 2 August 2015
Psalm 123, 5 July 2015
Psalm 123 (text here>) is a song of ascent, sometimes called degrees or graduals. These short and hopeful songs are grouped as Psalms 120 to 134. This one, with only four verses, is short and bitter-sweet. Two themes are mingled: the psalmist declares (1) trust in divine love and protection, while (2) hoping for mercy … Continue reading Psalm 123, 5 July 2015
Psalm 51, 22 March 2015
Completely side-stepping the set Psalm 107 last week (yes, and St Patrick's Day too although I did have a Celtic style song up my sleeve), we leapt forward to preview that well-used Psalm 51 that comes up this Sunday, Lent 5. Well-used it is; for centuries it has been sung during Lent particularly Ash Wednesday, Tenebrae services, and … Continue reading Psalm 51, 22 March 2015
Psalm 130, 6 Apr 14
This psalm, which we last sang in August 2012, is another song of ascent (psalms 120 to 134). Just for interest, click on the tag for 'ascent' at right, revealing that we have not actually sung many of them. (The tag including psalm 15 just recognises its similar theme.) It's also apparently the sixth of seven penitential psalms: not that it matters … Continue reading Psalm 130, 6 Apr 14
Psalms in the South 