Psalm Series
The book of Psalms is a collection of 150 poems that includes a variety of laments and praises in relation to God over a span of time. Imagine if we were to all write various prayers to God and put them into a book. We would all have different laments, writing styles, hopes for the world, and ways of seeing God at work in our own lives. And yet, even with each of our voices so different, we would find that through our connection with one another, we would be able to relate to each other's words sometimes. The same remains for the Psalms, where people have looked to them in times of great joy and great sadness.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast.”
Psalm 139: 7-10
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul. He leads me in right path for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.”
Psalm 23 NRSVUE
“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion. For there the Lord ordained his blessing, life forevermore.”
Psalm 133 NRSVUE
“You changed my mourning into dancing. You took off my funeral clothes and dressed me up in joy so that my whole being might sing praises to you and never stop. Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever.”
Psalm 30:11-12 CEB