What was Psalm 22 thinking? Here it is popping up well before Good Friday where, as happened last year, it seems permanently consigned by virtue of Jesus' quoting it on the cross: 'Why have you forsaken me?' Ah, I see. We draw this week on verses 23 to 31 (click here for lectionary readings), a selection which … Continue reading Psalm 22, 1 March 2015
Tag: women’s voices
Psalm 25, 22 Feb 15
The readings this week start with Noah and that rainbow covenant in Genesis, running through to John baptising Jesus and being arrested for his trouble. Quite a span. In the heart of this series nestles the psalm, one of the acrostic psalms in which each verse starts with one of the 22 letters of the … Continue reading Psalm 25, 22 Feb 15
The Magnificat, 21 Dec 14
This lovely Song of Mary, found in Luke 1:46b-55, is called Magnificat since that is the first word of the text in the Latin: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my saviour. You can feel the thrill springing up in her heart -- to be the mother of the promised one! … Continue reading The Magnificat, 21 Dec 14
Crystal Ball, December 2014
At the final gathering in the church year last Sunday 23 November, we relished Psalm 100 in various forms and much more, including Josquin des Prez and the Old Hundredth. We sang If ye love me by Thomas Tallis for the induction of Elders, who have our full support in their demanding role. Year B and Advent … Continue reading Crystal Ball, December 2014
Psalm 17, 3 Aug 14
Psalm 17 (click here for the text) this week looks like a continuation of recent lectionary readings. David, for it is attributed to him, asks for purity and protection. Having heard recently from Psalm 119:105 about the lamp to the feet and the light for the path, David runs up a variation on the theme : My footsteps hold fast … Continue reading Psalm 17, 3 Aug 14
Psalm 8, Trinity Sunday 15 June 14
'Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings', according to Psalm 8, comes not precocious wisdom and truth - as is the modern common usage of this phrase - but strength or a bulwark ordained in heaven. The very existence of each new child speaks of the power and wonder of creation. Then comes a familiar … Continue reading Psalm 8, Trinity Sunday 15 June 14
Psalm 68, 1 June 2014
The merry month of May, with its beautiful autumn leaves and the busy international music festival, departs. Only three weeks to the shortest day of the year when Keith, returning from the wilds of Celtic islands in another hemisphere, will lead a worship service at South Woden at the Winter Solstice. But for this Sunday, it's the first ten … Continue reading Psalm 68, 1 June 2014
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
Psalm 32, Lent, 9 Mar 14
The psalm. This one could be called a psalm of penitence (this theme taking up the first half of the song), or of refuge (vv. 6 -7). But then it changes direction, breaks into other riffs of guidance or wisdom (8-9) and finally thanksgiving. And how are they related, pray tell? So many ideas tumbling one after … Continue reading Psalm 32, Lent, 9 Mar 14
The crystal ball
Christmas and New Year celebrations seem ancient history already! Thanks to Dal, Jo, Bette and Brian for Psalm 112, Light rises in darkness last Sunday. The week before, we sang a blessing (in lovely harmony of course) upon our young people as they launch forth upon a new academic year. Relishing those aural memories and a … Continue reading The crystal ball
Psalms in the South 