Psalm 40, which comes up in March each year as well as this one in 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 … Continue reading Psalm 40, 15 Jan 2017
Tag: praise
Psalm 95
Note: Psalm 95 appears infrequently in the Lectionary (Lent and November in Year A). This post updates the rather scant coverage of a 2014 post. This psalm rewards the reader with new dimensions upon each reading. The first half starts with a song, indeed a shout, of praise and thanks to the creator of a fantastic … Continue reading Psalm 95
Psalm 148, 1 January 2107
This post builds on three previous entries on this psalm, which is set for the first Sunday after Christmas. Psalm 8 also arises this day in readings for New Year's Day. This popular psalm is in the middle of the final group of half a dozen songs of praise which bring the Psalter to a climax. … Continue reading Psalm 148, 1 January 2107
Psalm 96, Christmas 2016
[To see more recent Christmas psalm post for 2020, click here> or see Index.] Psalms 96 to 98 Psalms 96 to 98 appear often in the Lectionary, particularly at Christmas but also at other ordinary times during the year. The triplet forms a joyful package for a joyful occasion: these three songs for Christmas sing out in … Continue reading Psalm 96, Christmas 2016
Psalm 122
Psalm 122 is not only a Song of Ascent (the third) but also one of pilgrimage to the centre of divine love and justice. Psalm 120 told a sorrowful tale of living afar amongst alien people; the next one 121 starts the journey to Jerusalem ("I lift up my eyes to the hills...'); and finally in … Continue reading Psalm 122
Psalm 47
Journals and web-sites are usually crowded with advertisements, often blinking and distracting our attention from the object of interest. Whether the sponsorship is identified or not, the reader soon learns to recognise the difference. Some of the psalms, like Psalm 47, have an uncomfortable ring of triumphalism or nationalism about them. When the poem calls … Continue reading Psalm 47
Psalm 45
Psalm 45 is the closest we get to a love song in the Psalter. The poem is by the sons of Korah addressed first to the king, probably Solomon, then in a second voice to the bride. (v. 10) Hebrews 1 quotes verse 6 (and a clutch of other psalms) in relation to Jesus. Being more in … Continue reading Psalm 45
Psalm 81, 28 Aug ’16
Psalmist Asaph begins by casting into a shimmering spotlight some energising phrases: Raise a song and sound the timbrel, the merry harp and the lyre. Blow the ram's horn at the new moon, and at the full moon (v.1, 3) Then this touch of mystery: I hear a voice I had not known: "I eased your shoulder from the burden You … Continue reading Psalm 81, 28 Aug ’16
Psalm 103, 21 Aug 16
Note. The primary reading for this Sunday is Psalm 71:1-6. Please see the relevant post here>. The secondary readings include Psalm 103, said to be 'of David'. This song is a well-rounded tour of all the ingredients for worship -- praise, why we are blessed despite the brevity of human life, and the kindness inherent in … Continue reading Psalm 103, 21 Aug 16
Psalm 117
Psalm 117 is a surprise on several counts. Short and sweet First, as the shortest psalm in the bible, it consists of but two verses -- and just two songs later the longest psalm 119 sports 176 verses! These two verses are nevertheless important ones, presenting statements of the universality of all peoples or nations, and … Continue reading Psalm 117
Psalms in the South 