Being a song of Asaph, the historical setting -- north and south kingdoms of Israel as it then was, suppression by foreign powers, dissension between the twelve tribes, a 'bowl of tears to drink' -- is the backdrop to Psalm 80. Bells at Taizé village This might not mean much to the modern day listener. … Continue reading Psalm 80, 29 Nov 20
Tag: Taizé
Psalm 85, 28 July 2019
An atmosphere of hope and thanksgiving permeates this song from the Korahites, singers in the temple and court. It opens with a reflection on the past forgiveness and favour on the land; it progresses to present revival; and then, in beautifully ringing poetic terms, imagines the future wherein: Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness … Continue reading Psalm 85, 28 July 2019
Psalm 27, 22 Jan 2017
This psalm offers encouragement in difficult times, weaving together two contrasting but commanding threads. First is the imagery of light, beauty and goodness. Calling to mind references to the 'light of the world' (John 8:12) and 'light upon my path' (Psalm 119:105), it is a theme found in many psalms. Many readers will be familiar with the opening verse: "God is my light and … Continue reading Psalm 27, 22 Jan 2017
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 146, 5 June 2016
An article in the local paper today tells me that polls -- in Australia at least, though I do not doubt that readers in other countries will nod in agreement -- are revealing a loss of confidence in governance. Part of that is due to perceived weaknesses in both national leaders and opposing aspirants. People are, in this … Continue reading Psalm 146, 5 June 2016
Psalm 25, 29 Nov 15
Psalm 25, an acrostic psalm in Hebrew, runs to 22 verses. The alphabetical arrangement is lost in our translations. The psalmist seems to swing between two states, first soaring then penitential. Our selection is the first ten, more aspirational, verses. David then goes on to lament his failings and seek forgiveness in the second half. Here's the … Continue reading Psalm 25, 29 Nov 15
Psalms 89 or 23 … or maybe 139, 19Jul15
The Vanderbilt Divinity Library tells us: During the Season after Pentecost, the Revised Common Lectionary offers two sets of parallel readings: The first set of "semicontinuous" OT readings follows major stories/themes, beginning in Year A with Genesis and ending in Year C with the later prophets. "Complementary" OT readings follow the historical tradition of thematically pairing … Continue reading Psalms 89 or 23 … or maybe 139, 19Jul15
Psalm 72, 4 Jan 2015
Here we are in 2015! The beginning of the calendar year and, in the already-established church year, the end of Christmas and nearly Epiphany. The lectionary leads us to Psalm 147 on the second Sunday after Christmas, and Psalm 72 for Epiphany (6 January). We concentrate on the latter this week, though it must be said that … Continue reading Psalm 72, 4 Jan 2015
Psalm 29, 12 Jan 14
The voice of God is a constant and powerful theme in this psalm - thundering over the mighty waters, shaking the wilderness, breaking cedars or flashing forth in flames. The psalmist assures us that through all the elemental turbulence of life, God reigns supreme. In God's house, all sing 'Glory' and pray for strength. The psalm … Continue reading Psalm 29, 12 Jan 14
Taizé, 6 Oct 13
The service on Sunday 6 October will be after the meditative Taizé tradition. The ecumenical Taizé community is in a village in France, not far from the ancient abbey of Cluny. Here, it's not only the bells at the entrance to grounds that interrupt the meditative silence. Despite the placards inviting arriving worshippers to leave their chatter … Continue reading Taizé, 6 Oct 13
Psalms in the South 