Psalms

Let there be light, Watched Word -- John Potter, UK

Psalm 19 Renewed — Duncan Wilson, UK

For a single voice or responsive reading The heavens are telling us about God’s glory! the whole universe shows us God’s handiwork. One day tells it to another, and night by night repeats it to the next and this without using words or signs or the sound of any voice. Yet their message has gone […]

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Psalm 22 Renewed – Duncan Wilson, UK

To be read by a single voice or responsively If you are seeking to honour our God, bring your praise! Rejoice wherever you gather together, and as God’s children, show your appreciation. For God does not ignore the humble or push the downtrodden to one side. God sees how things are for them and answers […]

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Psalm 107, Call to worship — Ana Gobledale, UK

Adapted from Psalm 107 Give thanks, for God’s goodness overflows into our lives. All redeemed by God declare it so! When we cry out to God, God delivers us from our troubles. God leads us down a path we can navigate. Give thanks, for God’s steadfast love endures forever.

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Psalm 68 Renewed – Duncan Wilson, UK

Psalm 68 – framed and phrased for church worship Easter 7, Year A, New Revised Common Lectionary Sing out to God! God it is who gives the friendless person a home, and leads the prisoner to safety. God it is who brings rain to restore the worn-out land, providing food for the poor. Sing out […]

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Psalm 119 Renewed — Duncan Wilson, UK

Lection for Epiphany 6, Year A To be read responsively, by two voices or by a solo voice How happy we could be if we could reach perfection, if we could just keep to the rules. How happy if we could follow orders with a willing heart. Some people do manage to steer a straight […]

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Psalm 42 prayer – Cara Heafey, UK

Prayers of approach Based on the phrase in Psalm 42: “Deep calls to deep…” Eternal one, creator, God of covenant promise, ever-faithful, You commit to us. You continue to shape us. You know us. You are close to us as breath. Deep calls to deep… may we lean into your love. Jesus, Saviour, Lamb of […]

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Psalm 12 Renewed — Duncan Wilson, UK

Lectionary reading for Epiphany 5 Year A To be read responsively or by a single voice How happy the servant who shows respect for their God and delights in fulfilling God’s instructions. It bodes well for her children and their future. Her family will go short of nothing. Light shines on those who live good […]

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Psalm 27 Renewed — Duncan Wilson, UK

One thing we ask and one thing we seek, that we may live in God’s presence all the days of our life. For God will be our shelter when hard times come, covering and protecting us, planting our feet on solid ground.

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Sheep, Watched Word by John Potter, UK

Psalm 80 Renewed — Duncan Wilson, UK

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A Psalm praise — Psalm 80 Renewed To be read responsively or by a single voice Hear us, shepherd of Israel, leading the people who are your flock, exert your power and come now to our rescue. Bring us home, smile upon us with your love, and make us safe […]

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Psalm 107 Inspired — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA

Inspired by Psalm 107 Responsive reading for 2 voices or for one voice leading the congregation Give thanks to God! For God is good! God’s steadfast love lasts forever. God gathers God’s people From east and west, north and south, From the deserts of our weary and aimless wanderings, From the shadows and gloom of […]

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Duncan Wilson – reclaiming psalms

Duncan Wilson writes contemporary versions of psalms calling the on-going project ‘Praise from the heart: The Psalms in liturgical order’.  He intends to make the psalms ‘accessible for all ages, inclusive and relevant, as the Psalms were inspired by people with thoughts and experiences much like ours.’ Additional worship resources by Duncan are found at […]

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Psalm 1 Renewed — Duncan Wilson, UK

For one or two voices Happy are those who spurn advice from the wicked and turn aside from the path that leads to their door; who refuse a seat with the scoffers. Happy are those who delight in God’s will and dwell upon it day and night. They are like trees planted by the waterside […]

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Art in the Park, Loveland Colorado, photo by Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson

Psalm 81, Call to Worship — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA

Adapted from Psalm 81 Written to be read responsively Pentecost 12, Proper 17, Year C Pentecost 2, Proper 4, Year B Sing to God! God is our strength. We will shout for joy. Open your mouth, your mind, your heart, your soul, God will fill it! God will fill us! Listen to the Lord, your […]

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Psalm 27 renewed — Duncan Wilson, UK

Lectionary reading for Lent 2 Written to be read responsively; may be read by a single reader. God is like a light guiding us to safety, building a strong wall around us to keep us safe from harm. Should evil forces threaten us we will not be overcome. Those who stand against God are the […]

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Journey Blessing, a psalm — Geoff Calvert, Zimbabwe

Geoff has taken the Tefilat Haderech, the Hebrew Traveler’s Prayer, and transformed it into a song (psalm) of praise and thanksgiving. Thank you that it is your will, beloved God of our forebears, that we are conducted in peace, that our steps are guided in peace, that we are upheld in peace, that we are […]

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Psalm 63, I ache for you — Jim Burklo, USA

Lectionary reading — Lent 3 Year C O dear God, I love you! I ache for you, my heart burns for you and only you can quench this fire only you can satisfy my desire O sweet God, be on my lips lightly brushing, then with the full force Of my passion for your presence […]

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Psalm 36 renewed – Duncan Wilson UK

Epiphany 2, Year C Your love reaches as high as the heavens, your faithfulness, wide as the bright blue skies. Your goodness soars to the mountain peaks, your justice fathoms the depths of the sea. All your creatures find rest in your shade. How precious your constant love! How safe the protection of your wing. […]

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Psalm 138 renewed – Ana Gobledale UK

Inspired by Psalm 138 & Duncan Wilson’s version Pentecost 12  (Proper 16) Year A Pentecost 3 Year B Epiphany 5 Year C We gather to praise God. We praise God with all our being. When we call for help, God answers. We rejoice that God grants us strength and courage. When we are surrounded by […]

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Psalm 19 Renewed – Duncan Wilson, UK

Epiphany 3, Year C This might be read responsively with two voices. The heavens are telling us about God’s glory! the whole universe displays God’s handiwork. One day tells it to another, and night to night repeats it to the next and this without using words or signs, only the murmur of silence. Yet their […]

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Psalm 72 refreshed – Duncan Wilson, UK

Written for Epiphany, Year C Teach your Chosen One, O God, how to rule your people with justice and how to govern with gentleness the people who stagger under heavy loads. May your Chosen One judge fairly and give attention to the people most in need. May your Chosen One be like showers of rain […]

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Psalm 80 renewed – Duncan Wilson, UK

Advent 4, Year C Hear us, Shepherd God, leading your flock, we are in trouble and need you to save us. Bring us back, show us your mercy, come to our rescue. Do not take offence at our pleading. The world is like a cup filled with sorrows. We have shed too many tears, fighting […]

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Psalm 85 Renewed – Duncan Wilson, UK

Advent 2, Year C May be read responsively or by a single voice _______________ I am listening to what God is saying, promising peace if we forsake our foolish ways. For surely God is ready to protect those who show due honour and will be present in our land. Here, love and loyalty will meet, […]

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Psalm 25 Renewed — Duncan Wilson, UK

First Sunday of Advent, Year C Here we bring you our prayers, dear God, because we know we can trust you, and because you don’t keep on reminding us about the things we do wrong. Help us to see where your way leads and to follow in it. Make us listen to the guidance you […]

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Psalm 93 renewed – Duncan Wilson, UK

Proper 29, Year B Awesome God, wrapped in glory, by your strength you set the earth upon its axis, immovable for ever. Before time began, you held sway. The ocean canyons bellow, yet your voice from heaven rings out over the soaring waves, louder than the ocean’s rage. And in this way your laws, and […]

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Psalm 93 Anew — Duncan Wilson, UK

for Christ the King Sunday, Year B Awesome God, wrapped in glory, by your strength you set the earth upon its axis, immovable for ever. Before time began, you held sway. The ocean canyons bellow, yet your voice from heaven rings out over the soaring waves, louder than the ocean’s rage. And in this way […]

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Psalm 24, Lift up your heads — John Edgerton, USA

This modern psalm offers ‘balanced’ gender language, not inclusive, but the powerful juxtaposition between the masculine language of NIV and the feminine language of Edgerton’s version is effective, so I’ve included it. — Ana Gobledale, Editor   With Apologies to the Psalmist ‘Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that […]

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Psalm 8 Interpreted — Jim Burklo, USA

O dear One whose name is more than a name whose power I cannot tame O dear One I look into the sky, brushed with streaks of pink and orange at the dawn And am reduced to babytalk — ohhhh, wow…. I gaze at mountain ranges, parapets of stone And remember how puny is my […]

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Psalm 19 for Today — Ana Gobledale, UK

Proper 19, Year B 16th Sunday after Pentecost May the utterances of our lips and the very thoughts arising in our hearts be aligned with your will and your way, for you are the solid foundation upon which we stand and find our balance. Our speech and knowledge arise from you, crafted by your love […]

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Psalm 84 Renewed — Duncan Wilson, UK

For Pentecost 13, Year B May be read responsively or by a single voice. Guardian over all the nations, how we love your dwelling place. Here, even the sparrow may find a home and the swallow make her nest, raising her brood beside your altars. Happy are those who are at home in your house. […]

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Psalm 111, My heart swells — Ana Gobledale, UK

My heart swells as I think of all God has done… The brilliance of humanity – diverse and creative The majesty of mountains offering iron and diamonds The towering trees of ancient forests The delight of the ladybird and grasshopper The power of water falling, falling The justice of food for all – abundant crops […]

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Psalm 130 for today – Ana Gobledale, UK

So dark, so cold, so alone. God, where are you? Can you hear me? Where are you? My cries seem to vanish into the air. Do any reach you? I feel the waiting stretch so long. Then like the sun that shines before the dawn, Like the sun that shines below my horizon, Your presence […]

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Psalm 145 Renewed — Duncan Wilson, UK

For Pentecost 9, Year B  You, our Holy One, are gracious and compassionate, long suffering and ever faithful. You are good to all; And your compassion rests upon all you have made. You keep faith with us and are consistent in all you do, supporting all who stumble and raising those brought low. All your […]

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Psalm 85.8-13, responsive reading — Ana Gobledale, UK

Let me hear what God the Sovereign will speak, for God will speak peace to the people, God will speak to the faithful, to those who turn to God in their hearts. Surely God’s salvation is at hand for those who fear God, that God’s glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness […]

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Psalm 123 for Today – Ana Gobledale, UK

We look to you Trusting in your guiding hand Sure in your care for us Assured of your kindness. Even as we face disdain from others and scorn from the proud, we are filled with your mercy. In your fullness we rest. Lectionary reading 6th Sunday of Pentecost, Year B, and 21st Sunday of Pentecost, […]

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Psalm 48 renewed — Duncan Wilson, UK

The Holy One is great and is worthy of generous praise- -here in this sacred place, the dwelling of our God. The city of God brings joy to all the world. God it is who will keep us safe. We have heard what God has done and we have seen it for ourselves that God […]

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Psalm 98 for worship — Duncan Wilson, UK

Lectionary reading – Easter 6 Year B This might be read by a solo reader or responsively. Come, let us sing a new song to the One who has worked such wonders! By power and righteous strength, victory has been won. God has kept faith with the children of Israel, with loyalty and love towards […]

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Psalm 23 for worship — Duncan Wilson, UK

Lectionary reading – Lent 4A, Easter 4 ABC, Proper 23 A, Proper 11 B This might be read by a solo reader or responsively. You are like a shepherd to us, providing all we need. You give us rest in green places, you lead us by peaceful streams, you help us recover our strength. You […]

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Psalm 4 for worship — Duncan Wilson, UK

Lectionary reading – Easter 3 This might be read by a solo reader or responsively. Answer me, O God. When I have been in trouble you have always been there for me. Listen, and go gently with me. There are those who insult you by loving only what is worthless. You will always listen to […]

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