markings psalms íéìäú - · pdf filewere i to live on psalms...

Markings

Psalms íéìäú

Book 1 (1-41) Book 2 (42-72) Book 3 (73-89)

Book 4 (90-106) Book 5 (107-150)

General References

PsalmsGeneral References

Gerrit S. Dawson, Weavings (September/October 1991), p. 29

John Donne, “In the Shadow of Thy Wings,” Classics of Western Spirituality, p. 171

Doug Hitt, “Translations,” Weavings (May/June 1995), p. 26

Jeanne Jackle Howell, Monday Morning (7/1/93)

James L. Mays, “The Language of the Reign of God,” Interpretation (April 1993), p. 117-126

Kathleen Norris, “The Paradox of the Psalms,” Out of the Garden, p. 221-233

Roland E. Murphy, “The Faith of the Psalmist,” Interpretation (July 1970), p. 229-239

Nahum Sarna, “Songs of the Heart,” Bible Review (August 1993), p. 32-40

William Stafford, “News Every Day,” Passwords, p. 13

Rowan Williams, “Augustine and the Psalms,” Interpretation (January 2004), p. 17-27

PsalmsGeneral References

Gerrit S. DawsonWhen strong emotions flood daily life the psalms provide a healing channel for prayers.

John Donne, “In the Shadow of Thy Wings” The Psalms are the manna of the Church. As manna tasted to every man like that he likedbest, so do the Psalms minister instruction and satisfaction to every man in every emergency andoccasion. David was not only a clear prophet of Christ himself, but a prophet of every particularChristian; he foretells what I and what any shall do and suffer and say. … the whole book ofPsalms is … an ointment poured out upon all sorts of sores, … a balm that searches all wounds.

Doug Hitt, “Translations”were I to live on PsalmsI would read lustrous smooth olive skinpour over succulent proverbs—…I would recite approaching twilight…turn vast pages of fragrance…How I love thy law!

William Stafford, “News Every Day” [praise and lament]Birds don't say it just once. If they like itthey say it again. And again, every morning.I heard a bird congratulating itselfall day for being a jay.Nobody cared. But it was gladall over again, and said so, again.Many people are fighting each other, in the world.You could learn that and say, "Many peopleare fighting each other, in the world."It would be true, but saying it wouldn'tmake any difference. But you'd say it.Birds are like that. People are like that.

PsalmsGeneral References, page 2

Jeanne Jackle HowellThough a thousand voices curse me,A thousand thoughts condemn me,A thousand memories crush me,I will not forget your loveFor me,O Lord.And though my days at best abideA whirlwind deliriumOf un-membered voicesKeening faceless nightYet bide I by your loveFor meO Lord.Though all else be denied meI shall transcend my fateBy destiny of love.Bu unbent ruleOf compassionI shall stand yet wholeIn thee.

PsalmsBook 1 — Chapters 1-41

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31 32 33 34 35

36 37 38 39 40 41


42 43 44 45 46 47 48

49 50 51 52 53 54 55

56 57 58 59 60 61 62

63 64 65 66 67 68 69

70 71 72


73 74 75 76 77 78 79

80 81 82 83 84 85 86

87 88 89


90 91 92 93 94 95 96

97 98 99 100 101 102 103

104 105 106


107 108 109 110 111 112 113

114 115 116 117 118 119 120

121 122 123 124 125 126 127

128 129 130 131 132 133 134

135 136 137 138 139 140 141

142 143 144 145 146 147 148

149 150

Psalm 1 Cross References: 1-3 Jeremiah 17:7-8 1 Zephaniah 1:12 2-3 Genesis 1:11-12 2 Deuteronomy 6:7 3 Num. 24:6; Ps. 92:12-14; Is. 1:30; Ez. 47:12; Mk. 11:12-14

General References Horace Bushnell, Sermons, p. 171

Helen Barrett Montgomery, “Like a Tree Planted,” And Blessed is She, p. 41-47

Eugene Peterson, Answering God, p. 25-28

David Rosenberg, A Poet’s Bible , p. 5

Ivan Steiger, Ivan Steiger Sees the Bible, p. 75

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, The Divine Milieu, p. 101

Ancient Near East, Vol. 1, p. 238

Verse References

Psalm 1General References

Horace Bushnell

Have it as a fixed principle also, that getting into any scornful way is fatal. Scorn is dark andhas no eyes; for the eyes it thinks it has are only sockets in the place of eyes. Doubt is reason,scorn is disease. One simply questions, searching after evidence; the other has got aboveevidence and turns to mockery the modest way that seeks it. Even if truth were found, it couldnot stay in any scorning man’s bosom. The tearing voice, the scowling brow, the leer, the sneer,the jeer, would make the place a robber’s cave to it and drive the delicate and tender guest tomake his escape at the first opportunity. There was never a scorner that gave good welcome totruth. Knaves can as well harbor honesty and harlots chastity as scorners truth.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

The Church is like a great tree whose roots must be energetically anchored in the earth whileits leaves are serenely exposed to the bright sunlight.

Psalm 1 Verse References

1 Theodor H. Gaster, The Dead Sea Scriptures, p. 447

1 Girolamo Savonarola, Lend Me Your Ears, p. 414

2-3 Pattiann Rogers, “Her Delight,” Song of the World Becoming, p. 166 f.

3 Amy Clampitt, “Green,” Poems for a Small Planet, p. 41

3 Newsletter Newsletter, Scripture Art

Psalm 1 Notes

Girolamo Savonarola

First say to thine eyes, “Look not on vanity.” To thy ears say “Listen not to the words of the lazy, but only to the words of Jesus.” To thy tongue say, “Speak no more evil.”

Pattiann Rogers, “Her Delight”

Every flattened pit and dark blue drupe and paper-skin Seed obeys perfectly the commandment it fashions By becoming itself. … And the woman standing this evening beneath the river trees, Watching them rise by fissured bark, by husked and hardened Fruit held high above the water, watching the long bodies Of their shadows lying unmoved across the current, She is the easy law that states she must become, In the hazy, leaf-encroached columns of the evening sun, Her meditation in this delight.

Amy Clampitt, “Green”

Petals fall, leaves hang on all summer; chlorophyll growth industry are what they hang on for. The relinquishing of doing things of being occupied at all comes hard: the drifting, then the lying still.

Psalm 1Notes


Psalm 2Cross References: 1-2 Acts 4:25-26

4 Psalm 33:13-157 Acts 13:33; Romans 1:3; Hebrews 1:5, 5:59 Revelation 2:26-27, 12:5, 19:1511 Psalm 103:8

General ReferencesEugene Peterson, Answering God, p. 28-31

Verse References1-2 Theodor H. Gaster, The Dead Sea Scriptures, p. 448

Psalm 3Cross References: 7 Matthew 5:39


Verse References5 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Liedown”

Psalm 3Notes

Communication Resources, Sca6, “Liedown”

Psalm 4Hebrew

Cross References: 4 Ephesians 4:26


Verse References8 Flora Slosson Wuellner, “Daily Life in Prayer with Our Bodies (Sleeping),” Prayer and Our Bodies,

p. 125 f.

8 Communication Resources, Sca7, “2Doves”

Psalm 4Notes

Communication Resources, Sca7, “2Doves”

Psalm 5Cross References: 9 Romans 3:13


Verse References1-3 H. E. Fosdick, The Meaning of Prayer, p. 92 f.

Psalm 6Cross References: 1 Psalm 38:1; Jeremiah 10:24

6-8 Luke 22:44; Hebrews 5:78 Matthew 7:23; Luke 13:27

General ReferencesElizabeth Achtemeier, “Overcoming the World: an exposition of Psalm 6,” Interpretation (January

1974), p. 75-88

David Rosenberg, A Poet’s Bible, p. 6

Psalm 7Cross References: 9 Revelation 2:23

10 Ephesians 6:16


4-6 Job 7:17-18; Psalm 144:3; Hebrews 2:6-86 Psalm 110:1; 1 Corinthians 15:27; Ephesians 1:22

General ReferencesBrevard Childs, “Psalm 8 in the Context of the Christian Canon,” Interpretation (January 1969), p.

20-31

Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, p. 144 f.

Robert Frost, Poetry of Robert Frost, p. 279

Stephen Jay Gould, “Darwin’s More Stately Mansion,” I Have Landed, p. 217

Keith Green, “How Majestic is Thy Name,” Songs for the Shepherd


Hans-Ruedi Weber, “Worship and Work,” Experiments with Bible Study, p. 59

Imaging the Word, Vol. 1, p. 38-41

Verse References


Annie Dillard

… the universe was beginning to look more like a great thought than a great machine. …But the question of who is thinking the thought is more fruitful than the question of who madethe machine, for a machinist can of course wipe his hands and leave, and his simple machine stillhums; but if the thinker’s attention strays for a minute, his simplest thought ceases altogether.

Robert FrostAnd served us right for having institutedDownward comparisons. As long on earthAs our comparisons were stoutly upwardWith gods and angels, we were men at leastBut little lower than the gods and angels.

Stephen Jay Gould

The biblical Psalmist evoked our deepest fear by comparing our bodily significance withcosmic immensity and then crying out: “What is man, that thou art mindful of him?” (Psalm 8).But he then vanquished this spatial anxiety with a constitutional balm: “Thou hast made him alittle lower than the angels … thou madest him to have dominion … thou hast put all thingsunder his feet.” Darwin removed this keystone of false comfort more than a century ago, butmany people still believe that they cannot navigate our earthly vale of tears without such acrutch.

Psalm 8Verse References

1-2 Barbara Pitkin, “Between Text and Sermon,” Interpretation (April 2001), p. 177-180

1 [note] (11/14/97)

3-4 Communication Resources, “Heavens.tif, ,” (SCA3) Scripture Cover Art

4 Samuel Terrien, The Elusive Presence, p. 461

5 Maya Angelou, “Inauguration Poem” (1993)

6 Stephen Jay Gould, Bully for Brontosaurus, p. 109

Psalm 8Notes

Me In many places in the Bible “name” might better be translated as “signiture”.Psalm 8:1 & 9: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your signiture throughout the earth.

Samuel Terrien authentic humanism, not the humanism of Protagoras, “Man is the measure of all things,” butthe humanism implied by the question of the psalmist, “What is man that thou shouldstremember him?”

Maya Angelou, from “Inauguration Poem”You created only a little lower thanThe angels, having crouched too long inThe bruising darknessHave lain too longFace down in ignorance.Your mouths spilling words.Armed for slaughter…

Stephen Jay Gould the great facade of Union Station in Washington, D.C. … Six statues protraying the greatestof human arts and inventions grace its parapet. Elictricity holds a bar of lightening; hisinscription proclaims: “Carrier of light and power. Devourer of time and space … Greatestservant of man … Thou has put all things under his feet.”

Psalm 8Notes

3-4 Communication Resources, “Heavens.tif, ,” (SCA3) Scripture Cover Art

Psalm 9

General References Keith Green, “I Will Give Thanks to the Lord,” Songs for the Shepherd

Verse References 1 Newsletter Newsletter, “psalm9.tif, ,” Cover Art: Old Testament

10 Dante, “Canto 25,” Paradiso, p. 173 From many a star this light comes down to me; But in my heart ’twas first instilled by him Who was the greatest Leader’s g reatest singer. For in his lofty psalmody he says: ‘Let those take hope in You who know Your name’ And who could know it not with faith like mine?

12 Christoph Blumhardt, “The Poor,” Blumhardt Reader, p. 215-219

Psalm 9Notes

Newsletter Newsletter, “psalm9.tif, ,” Cover Art: Old Testament

Psalm 10Hebrew

Cross References: 1-18 James 2:6-77 Romans 3:14

Psalm 11

General References John Michael Talbot, “Psalm 11,” Chant from the Hermitage

Verse References 3 John Donne, Sermons on the Psalms & Gospels, p. 45

3 Robert C. Morris, “Paradoxical Security,” Weavings (September/October 2006), p. 18-20

Psalm 12

General References David Rosenberg, A Poet’s Bible , p. 9

Verse References 5 Christoph Blumhardt, “The Power of God,” Blumhardt Reader, p. 250-254

Psalm 13Hebrew

General ReferencesJames L. Mays, “Expository Article,” Interpretation (July 1980), p. 279-283

“A cry means something only in a created universe. If there is no creator, what is thegood of calling attention to yourself” (E. M. Cioran). … God’s absence is the source of his anxious wondering in the face of the enemy’sthreat. The reality of God is such a crucial environment of his life that the psalmistcannot think or feel without thinking and feeling in terms of God’s relation to him. … The prayer, then, is witness. It testifies that God is, that He can be addressed, that onespeaks to him of life’s worst uninhibitedly, that he hears and accepts complaints againsthim for lack of attention to suffering. … There is a coherence which holds the apparently separate moments together. God isso much a god of blessing and salvation for the psalmist that he must speak of tribulationand terror as the absence of God. Yet God is so much the God of hesed for the psalmistthat he can speak to God in the midst of tribulation and terror as the God of his salvation. … Agony and adoration hung together by a cry for life—this is the truth about us aspeople of faith.

Psalm 14

Cross References: 1-7 Psalm 53:1-61-3 Romans 3:10-12

Psalm 15Cross References: 1-5 Psalm 24:3-7; Isaiah 33:14-16

General ReferencesJohn Michael Talbot, “Psalm 15,” Chant from the Hermitage

Psalm 16Cross References: 2 John 15:5

8-11 Acts 2:25-2810 Acts 13:35

General ReferencesFlora Slosson Wuellner, Prayer and Our Bodies, p. 94 f.


Verse References6 Kathleen Norris, “Inheritance: Blessing and Curse,” Amazing Grace, p. 23

Abel is welcome in my family tree, but I’d just as soon leave Cain out. Yet God hasgiven me both, reminding me that the line is Psalm 16, “welcome indeed the heritage thatfalls to me,” can be a tough one to live with.

10-11 Ivan Steiger, Ivan Steiger Sees the Bible, p. 76

10 John Donne, Classics of Western Spirituality, p. 239

Psalm 17

Verse References5 Communication Resources, Sca7, “Latern”

8 Ancient Near East, Vol. 1, p. 146

Psalm 17Notes

Communication Resources, Sca7, “Lantern”

Psalm 18Cross References: 19 Psalm 31:8; Matthew 7:13

25-26 Mark 8:38; 2 Timothy 2:11-1333 Habakkuk 3:1949 Romans 15:9

General ReferencesEugene Peterson, Answering God, p. 73 f.

Samuel Terrien, The Elusive Presence, p. 283-290

Verse References2-4 Ivan Steiger, Ivan Steiger Sees the Bible, p. 77

28 Communication Resources, Sca5, “Lamp”

35 Horace Bushnell, “The Gentleness of God,” Sermons, p. 148-162

Psalm 18Notes

Communication Resources, Sca5, “Lamp”

Psalm 19Cross References: 1-14 John 1:1-18

4-6 Psalm 84:11; Malachi 4:24 Romans 10:186 James 1:1114 Psalm 21:2; Romans 10:9-10

General ReferencesAbraham Joseph Heschel (from Barrie Shepherd’s Preaching Class)


William Stafford, “Earth Dweller,” The Darkness Around Us is Deep, p. 104

Verse References


Abraham Joseph HeschelThe cosmos is a congregation in need of a cantor. Humankind is the cantor for the universe.

William Stafford…for somewhere inside the colds arevaulted mansions, lines through the barn singfor saints, forever the shed and windmillrear so glorious the sun shudders like a gong.Now I know why people worship, carry aroundmagic emblems wake up talking dreamsthey teach to their children: the world speaks.The world speaks everything to us.It is our only friend.

Psalm 19

Verse References

1-6 H. E. Fosdick, The Meaning of Prayer, p. 110 f.

1-4 Kathleen Norris, “In Praise of Darkness,” Little Girls in Church, p. 20 f.

1-4 Richard Wilbur, “Games One [the asterisk],” New and Collected Poems, p. 315

1 Graham Hardy, “Does Modern Science Leave Room for God?,” Science and Christian Faith, p. 43-49

1 Aleane Mason, “Christmas Letter,” [in Christmas File]

1 Communication Resources, SCA2, “Heavens”

4 Scripture Art, “Old Testament”

9 Abraham Lincoln, “Second Inaugural,” Lend Me Your Ears, p. 441


14 Carla De Sola, The Spirit Moves, p. 21

Psalm 19Notes

Kathleen NorrisIt simplifies; it breaks all codes,turning seed into corn, talkto wisdom, as day unto daytakes up the story, night unto nightthe message, without a word …Listen. Be still.Be as deep as the darkfrom which you came. Where we areis home: only MUT, MUTTER, pray for us.

Richard WilburThe asteriskSays look below, as a starWe prize for its being far… It is up to usTo gloss the sky.

Aleane Mason

(“The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork.”) At theend of a day we stood close together and became part of the clear, starry night; a silent night inspite of the song of crickets and tree toads and our own hushed words of thanksgiving and praise.It must have been on nights such as this that the psalmists of old Palestine composed theirhymns. And shepherds watched their flocks, and once heard in wonder that God had placed Hisown Son in the care of Mary and Joseph in a stable in over-crowded Bethlehem. (“For there isborn to you this day in the city of David, a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.”)

Psalm 19 Notes

Communication Resources, SCA2, “Heavens” Scripture Art: Old Testament

Psalm 19 Notes

Scripture Art, “Old Testament”

Psalm 20

General ReferencesJohn Michael Talbot, “Psalm 20,” Chant from the Hermitage, p. track 6

Verse References7 Communication Resources, “Psalm 020x7,” Scripture Art

Psalm 20Notes

Newsletter Newsletter, “Scripture Art: Old Testament”

Psalm 21Cross References: 4 Daniel 7:13

General ReferencesHelen Vendler, “Psalms and John,” Communion, p. 383 f.

Verse References4 Midrash on Ps. 21:5

He [the king] asked life of you; you gave it to himlength of days, for ever and ever. (refers to Messiah)

Psalm 22Cross References: 1 Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34

7 Matthew 27:39; Mark 15:29; Luke 23:358 Matthew 27:4318 Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34; John 19:2422 Hebrews 2:1227 Mark 14:9

29-31 Philippians 2:10-1131 John 17:20

General References Verse References


Sheldon Tostengard, “Expository Article,” Interpretation (April 1992), p. 167-170

John H. Reumann, “Psalm 22 at the Cross: lament and thanksgiving for Jesus Christ,” Interpretation(January 1974), p. 39-58

J. Barrie Shepherd, “My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?,” Acadamy Accents (1/1/96), p.3-5 [Good Friday Sermon — Filed with “Other’s Sermons”]


Donald Senior and Carroll Stuhlmueller, Biblical Foundations for Mission, p. 130-134

Donald Juel, Messianic Exegesis, p. 89-103 & 110-117

Samuel Terrien, “The Hidden God,” The Elusive Presence, p. 321

Verse References



1-2 Susan L. Nelson, “Facing Evil: Evil’s Many Faces,” Interpretation (October 2003), p. 402-404

1-2 Imaging the Word, Vol. 3, p. 186

1 Denise Levertov, “The Prayer,” O Taste and See, p. 75 I questioned my faith, or within it wondered if the god mocked me.

1 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Forsake”


9-10 Bridget Meehan, Exploring the Femine Face of God, p. 17

15 Wendy M. Wright, “I Thirst,” Weavings (July/August 2000), p. 29 f.

Psalm 22 Notes

Communication Resources, Sca6, “Forsake”

Scripture Art, “Old Testament

Psalm 23Hebrew

Cross References: 1-4 Ezekiel 34:11-162 Revelation 7:173 Ezekiel 36:22-274 Job 38:17; Psalm 138:7; Isaiah 11:65 Job 16:11; Psalm 78:19; Matthew 6:176 Luke 19:47



Keith Green, Songs for the Shepherd

George Herbert, Selected Poetry, p. 235

Earl G. Hunt, “In The House of the Lord Forever,” Best Sermons 2, p. 378-385

Jack R. Lundbom, “Psalm 23: Song of Passage,” Interpretation (January 1986), p. 05-16

Toki Miyashima, “Twenty-Third Psalm for Busy People,” The Circuit Rider (August 1992)

Bradford Morrow, “Psalms,” Communion, p. 13-28

Wayne Muller, Sabbath, p. 79

Holmes Rolston, III, “The Bible and Ecology,” Interpretation (January 1996), p. 22


Samuel Terrien, “The Sufficient God,” The Elusive Presence, p. 332

Majorie J. Thompson, “A Meditation on Psalm 23,” Weavings (May/June 1994), p. 37-43

Patrick J. Wilson and Beverly Roberts Gaventa, “Preaching as the Re-reading of Scripture,”Interpretation (October 1998), p. 398

Wendy Wright, “Seasons of Glad Songs,” Weavings (July/August 1996), p. 10-11


“Scottish Psalter”

Verse References


Toki Miyashima, “Twenty-Third Psalm for Busy People”The Lord is my pacesetter, I shall not rushHe makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals;He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity.He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind.And His guidance is peace.Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, I will not fret, for his presence is here.His timelessness, His all-importance will keep me in balance.He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity By anointing my mind with His oils of tranquility.My cup of joyous energy overflows.Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruit of my hours forI shall walk in the place of my Lord and dwell in His house forever.

Holmes Rolston, III, In the metaphors of Psalm 23: The Lord leads to green pastures, beside still waters. Sheepneed water and forage, and life is like that; and ecologists, ancient and modern, know this. Nowlift this up into an archetype for human life. Water and forage is what pastoral peoples need,too; but they also have to be led in “right paths for his name’s sake” (v. 3). Divinely given,earthen nature is the original act of grace, but this can be received only by a people disciplined as“your rod and your staff—they comfort me” (v. 4). Then, “surely goodness and mercy shallfollow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long”(v. 6). There are valleys of deep darkness, but there is a vast earthen and spiritual providencethat supports the righteous life.

Patrick J. Wilson and Beverly Roberts Gaventa A few decades ago, many biblical images were dismissed as hopelessly bucolic for generatingmeaning in the “secular city.” A student preacher, taking this word to heart, drove to Sonora,Texas, where he expatiated on the inevitable bankruptcy of such images as sheep and shepherd,tossing them aside to get to the heart of the matter and preaching a sermon on the theme of the“care of the Lord.” He mislaid not only the evocative imagery of the texts but the fact that hewas preaching in a sheep ranching region. He was correct in one respect, however: noshepherds attended worship that day. Sheep need shepherds in open range; barbed wire rendersshepherds unnecessary. The biblical image of the shepherd’s solicitous care collides with metaland technology’s cold efficiency, sparking powerful fields of meaning. The biblical image, evenarchaic and requiring explication, evokes something longed for and known chiefly by itsabsence.

Psalm 23General References, p. 2

Scottish PsalterThe Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want; He makes me down to liein pastures green; He leadeth me the quiet waters by.My soul He doth restore again; and me to walk doth makewithin the paths of righteousness, e’en for His own names sake.Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale, yet will I fear none ill;for thou art with me; and thy rod and staff me comfort still.My table Thou has furnishèd in presence of my foes;My head Thou dost with oil anoint, and my cup overflows.Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me;and in God’s house forevermore my dwelling place shall be.

Wayne Muller

This, then, is the theology of progress. Only when we get to the end can we lie down in greenpastures, be let beside still waters, and allow our soul to be restored. This is the psalm we singwhen people have died. This is the psalm we save for death, because in the world of progress,you do not rest in green pastures, you do not lie beside still waters, there is no time. Never in thislife, only in the next. Only when we get to the promised land.


1-3 Joseph A. Grassi, “The Shepherd who Feeds and Nourishes the Flock,” Loaves and Fishes, p. 19-22

1-3 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Shephrd1”

1 Barbara Sullivan, “September 27, 1986,” Portals of Prayer (September 1986), p. 30


4 Dan Damon, “When Sorrow Will Not Be Consoled,” The Sound of Welcome, p. 22

4 Communication Resources, “Psalm 023x4,” Scripture Art

4 Communication Resources, “Psalm 023x4,” Cover Art

5 John Calvin, “Sermon on Suffering Persecution,” Lend Me Your Ears, p. 417

5 Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Hymn of the Universe, p. 104

6 Augustine, “This Only Do I Ask,” An African Prayer Book, p. 137

6 George Herbert, “Mattens,” The Selected Poetry of George Herbert, p. 104

6 Jane Parker Huber, “O God of Earth and Space” [note]

6 John Shea, The God Who Fell from Heaven & The Hour of the Unexpected

6 Francis Thompson, “The Hound of Heaven,” The Book of Uncommon Prayer , p. 153

6 Wang Weifan, Lilies of the Field, p. 41

6 Charles Wright, “Southern Cross,” Pushcart Prize VII, p. 84

6 “Traditional Tale,” quoted in Wayne Muller, Sabbath, p 48

Psalm 23Notes

Barbara Sullivan For years I sat in church looking at the huge stained glass window that showed Christ tendingHis sheep and carrying one of them in His arms. Other than thinking, “How pretty that is”’, Idon’t believe that I ever really considered the message in that scene. Then one March my serene world fell apart. I learned that I had cancer and had to havesurgery immediately. After my operation, I was told, “You are very lucky.” The cancer had notspread as much as the doctors had feared. The first worship service I attended after my recovery was Easter service. As my family wasbeing seated, my attention, as always, was drawn to the window. Suddenly, I realized that I waslike the sheep in Christ’s arms. I, too, had been carried when I was in trouble. Immediately, Ileaned down and shared my new-found feeling with my ten-year-old son. After the service Itold the rest of my family about the window’s deeper, richer meaning to me. Now each time I walk into the sanctuary, I am reminded that Christ loves all of us and that Hecradles us in strong arms in our times of need.

Dan Damon, “When Sorrow Will Not Be Consoled”When sorrow will not be consoled,when heaven seems a fairy tale,when life is like a shattered dream,remember Christ felt every nail.When joy in life is robbed by pain,when sickness reigns and grief invades,when death defeats life all to soon,believe in joy that never fades.Give thanks for joys too briefly known,give thanks for nights in love’s embrace,give thanks for days when life was full,remember God’s redeeming grace.When hearts are sore and hope comes hard,when unexpected turns bring pain,when sadness seems too much to bear,remember love can rise again.

John Calvin, “Sermon on Suffering Persecution”It is God’s pleasure that until the end of the world, Christ shall reign in the midst of his enemies.


Grant me then something even more precious than that grace for which all your faithfulfollowers pray: to receive communion as I die is not sufficient: teach me to make a communionof death itself.

Psalm 23Notes, page 2

AugustineThis only do I ask of thy extreme kindness.That thou convert me wholly to theeAnd thou allow nothing to prevent mefrom wending my way to thee.

George HerbertMy God, what is a heart,

That thou shouldst it so eye, and woo,Pouring upon it all thy art,

As if that thou hadst nothing else to do?

Jane Parker Huber, “O God of Earth and Space”Wherever freedom reigns,Where sin is overthrown,Where justice fused with mercy rulesThere You are known. (verse 3)

[freedom is subversive, it doesn’t reign, it grows (like yeast), it infects, radiates, etc. —Justice doesn’t rule either. Justice and mercy persue.]

John Shea, from The God Who Fell from Heaven from The Hour of the UnexpectedYou are the father of parties We believe that God is after us. (p. 30)and no one can outrun your joy. (p. 70)

… dreams would chase waking menand love catch them. (p. 82)

Francis Thompson, “The Hound of Heaven”I fled Him, down the night and down the days; I fled Him, down the arches of the years;I fled Him, down the labyrinthine ways Of my own mind; and in the mist of tearsI hid from Him, and under running laughter. Up vistaed hopes I sped; And shot, precipitated,A down Titanic glooms of chasmèd fears, From those strong Feet that followed, followed after. But with unhurrying chase, And unperturbed pace Deliberate speed, majestic instancy, They beat—and a Voice beat More instant than the Feet— “All things betray thee, who betrayest Me.”


Wang Weifan

Adam’s departure from Eden also marked the beginning of the Creator’s search forhumankind. God in Christ left Eden in order to seek and to save us long lost mortals. When my heart rests in God, then too will God gain peace through me. Only then willChrist’s hunger and thirst be satisfied.

Charles Wright, “Southern Cross”The Big Dipper has followed me all the days of my life.Under its tin stars my past has come and gone.Tonight in the April glazeand scrimshaw of the skyIt blesses me once againWith its black water, and sends me on.

“Traditional Tale”

Rabbi Levi saw a man running in the street, and asked him, “Why do you run?” He replied, “Iam running after my good fortune!” Rabbi Levi tells him, “Silly man, your good fortune hasbeen trying to chase you, but you are running too fast.”

Psalm 23Notes, p. 4

Communication Resources, Sca6, “Shephrd1”

Communication Resources, “Psalm 023x4,” Scripture Art

Psalm 23 Notes, p. 5

Cover Art, “Old Testament

Psalm 23 Notes, p. 6

Scripture Art: Old Testament

Psalm 24Hebrew

Cross References: 1-2 Jeremiah 33:21 1 Corinthians 10:26

3-6 Psalm 15; Isaiah 33:14-164 Matthew 5:8

General ReferencesCarla De Sola, The Spirit Moves, p. 97

Richard W. Reifsnyder, “Between Text and Sermon,” Interpretation (July 1997), p. 284-288

Verse References1 Denise Levertov, “Tragic Error,” Evening Train, p. 69

1 Communication Resources, “Earth.tif,” (SCA3) Scripture Cover Art, p. 19


Psalm 24Notes

Denise Levertov, “Tragic Error”The earth is the Lord’s, we gabbled,and the fullness thereof—while we looted and pillaged, claiming indemnity:the fullness thereofgiven over to us, to our use—while we preened ourselves, sure of our power,wilful or ignorant, through the centuries.

Psalm 24Notes

1 Communication Resources, “Earth.tif,” (SCA3) Scripture Cover Art

Psalm 25Cross References: 5 Luke 1:47

11 Ezekiel 36:22-2912-13 Matthew 5:5

General ReferencesWilliam H. Willimon, “Remember Not … Remember Me,” Best Sermons I, p. 294

Psalm 26

Psalm 27 Cross References: 10 Mark 3:31-35

General References John Michael Talbot, “Part I and Part II,” Chant from the Hermitage

John Michael Talbot, “Psalm 27,” Hiding Place

Samuel Terrien, The Elusive Presence, p. 307

Marilyn von Waldner, “The Lord is My Light and My Salvation,” What Return Can I Make?

Verse References 1-2 Ella Mitchell, “The Stumbling Enemy,” And Blessed is She, p. 203-210

1 Imaging the Word, Vol. 2, p. 122-125

13-14 Kathleen Norris, “Land of the Living,” Little Girls in Church, p. 40 f. It is here, in the land of the living, the psalm says we shall see God’s goodness.

13 Francis Patrick Sullivan, “Stories to Grow On,” A Time To Sow, p. 210

14 Communication Resources, Sca5, “Wait”

14 Newsletter Newsletter, “Cover Art: Old Testament”

Psalm 27 Notes

Communication Resources, Sca5, “Wait” Cover Art: Old Testament

Psalm 28Cross References: 4-5 2 Corinthians 5:10

4 Revelation 22:12

Verse References8 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Shield”

Psalm 28Notes

Communication Resources, Sca6, “Shield”

Psalm 29Cross References: 1-2 Psalm 96:7-9

3-9 Job 37:4-5

General ReferencesJames L. Mays, “Expository Article,” Interpretation (January 1985), p. 60-64


John Donne, “God Prospers …” Classics of Western Spirituality, p. 283

Verse References11 Communication Resources, “Scripture Art”

Psalm 29Notes

Scripture Art: New Testament

Psalm 30Cross References: 11 Jeremiah 31:13; Lamentations 5:14-15

General ReferencesDavid Rosenberg, A Poet’s Bible, p. 21

Verse References5 Newsletter Newsletter, Scripture Art

11-12 Imaging the Word, Vol. 3, p. 136


Psalm 30Notes

Scripture Art: Old Testament Scripture Art: Old Testament


8 Psalm 18:19; Matthew 7:1315 Matthew 6:13

General ReferencesDonald Juel, Messianic Exegesis, p. 110

Verse References5 John Donne, “Devotions: Now This Bell Tolling …” Classics of Western Spirituality, p. 274

… yet to so merciful a master as thou, I cannot be afraid to come; and therefore, into thyhands, O my God, I commend my spirit, a surrender which I know thou wilt accept, whether Ilive or die; … declare thou thy will upon me, O Lord, for life or death in thy time; receive mysurrender of myself now; into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

9-16 G. Christopher Scruggs, “Between Text and Sermon,” Interpretation (October 1996), p. 398-402

14-15 Communication Resources, Sca5, “Trustyou”

Psalm 31Notes

Communication Resources, Sca5, “Trustyou”

Psalm 32 Hebrew

Cross References: 1-2 Romans 4:7-8 3-5 Job 31:33 3 Zephaniah 3:3

General References Robert W. Jenson, “Expository Article,” Interpretation (April 1979), p. 172-176

John Michael Talbot, “Psalm 32,” Chant from the Hermitage

John Michael Talbot, “The Hiding Place,” Hiding Place

Verse References 5 John Donne, Classics of Western Spirituality, p. 218-232

7 Kilian McDonnell, “A Place to Hide: Light Off,” and “A Place to Hide: Light On,” Weavings (March/April 2005), p. 16 & 25

11 Newsletter Newsletter, Cover Art

Psalm 32Notes

John Michael Talbot, “The Hiding Place”You are my hiding place, O LordYou saved in my distressYou are my hiding place, O LordYou saved in my distressYou surround my soulWith cries of deliveranceLet every good man pray to YouIn his hour of needFlood waters may reach highBut him they sall not reachLet every good man prayIn his hour of need

You are my hiding place, O LordYou gaze into the secrets of my soul

A hidden secret wastes my frameI groan through the night and cry through the dayI will confess my sinMy guilt I will not hideI will confess my prideAnd good will forgive

Psalm 32Notes

Newsletter Newsletter, Cover Art

Psalm 33 Cross References: 13-15 Psalm 2:4

General References Walter Brueggemann, Interpretation and Obedience, p. 224-230

Verse References 5 Wendell Berry, “The Journey’s End,” Words from the Land, p. 234

And in the thirty-third psalm, it is said that the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. We must recover that sense of holiness in the world and learn to respect and forebear accordingly.

6 Irenaeus, The Holy Spirit, p. 42

And since God is rational, therefore by the Word he created things that were made; and God is Spirit, and by the Spirit he adorned all things: as also the prophet says, “By the word of the Lord were the heavens established, and by his Spirit all their power.”

12 Communication Resources, Sca5, “Map”

20 Brian K. Bauknight, “Waiting Room,” Best Sermons 2, p. 405-409

20 Christoph Blumhardt, “Wait for the Lord,” Blumhardt Reader, p. 178-184

Psalm 33Notes

Communication Resources, Sca5, “Map”

Psalm 34Cross References: 2 Isaiah 61:1

8 1 Peter 2:312-16 Amos 5:4-6, 5:14-16; 1 Peter 3:10-12

18 Isaiah 57:1520 John 19:36

General ReferencesKent Richards, “Expository Article,” Interpretation (April 1986), p. 176-180

Verse References8 Denise Levertov, “O Taste and See,” O Taste and See, p. 53

8 Newsletter Newsletter, Cover Art: Old Testament

8 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Grapes1”

17-18 Francis Patrick Sullivan, “A Woman’s Touch,” A Time To Sow, p. 192

Psalm 34Notes

Denise Levertov, “O Taste and See”The world isnot with us enough.O taste and seethe subway Bible poster said,meaning The Lord, meaningif anything all that livesto the imagination’s tongue,grief, mercy, language,tangerine, weather, tobreathe them, bite,savor, chew, swallow, transforminto our flesh ourdeaths, crossing the street, plum, quince,living in the orchard and beinghungry, and pluckingthe fruit.

Psalm 34Notes

Newsletter Newsletter, Cover Art Communication Resources, Sca6, “Grapes1”

Psalm 35Cross References: 15 Jeremiah 20:10

19 Psalm 69:4; John 15:2523 John 20:2826 Proverbs 24:17; 1 Corinthians 13:6


4 Micah 2:1


Carla De Sola, The Spirit Moves, p. 100

Verse References7-9 Carla De Sola, “Workshop,” Earl Lectures (1/20/95)

8 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Feast”

9 Flora Slosson Wuellner, Prayer and Our Bodies, p. 94, 121

Psalm 36Notes

Communication Resources, Sca6, “Feast”

Psalm 36Notes

Carla De Sola, “Workshop” a) God-person comes to child-person with blessing. b) enfold in wings. c) God-person grabs child-person’s right hand with his left hand and leads, going backwards,

showing the abundance with his right hand. d) God-person pours out with one hand over the other. Child-person receives with one hand

under the other. e) Fountains. GP first, with CP’s fountain coming up inside and through GP’s. f) Hands in front of face, fingers spread, palms toward face. Pull outward to reveal face of

the other.

Psalm 37Cross References: 1-40 Matthew 6:25-35

1 Proverbs 24:198 Matthew 6:3411 Matthew 5:514 Matthew 7:1427 Romans 12:933 Mark 13:11

35-36 Mark 11:20-21

General ReferencesBonita Raine, The Beatitudes in Modern Life, p. 34 ff.

Theodor H. Gaster, The Dead Sea Scriptures, p. 326 ff.

Psalm 38Cross References: 20 1 Samuel 24:17

General ReferencesGerrit S. Dawson, “Praying the Difficult Psalms,” Weavings (September/October 1991), p. 31-32

Verse References12 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Window”

Psalm 38Notes

Communication Resources, Sca6, “Window”


6 Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12:16-2111 Matthew 6:19-20

General ReferencesWalter Brueggemann, Finally Comes the Poet, p. 51-53

Psalm 40Cross References: 6-8 Hebrews 10:5-7

8 Jeremiah 31:33

Verse References1-2 Luther E. Smith, Jr., “Earth Has No Sorrow that Heaven Cannot Heal,” Weavings

(September/October 1993), p. 6 ff.


Psalm 41Cross References: 9 Matthew 26:23; Mark 14:18; Luke 22:21; John 13:18

13 Psalm 106:48

Verse References1 Communication Resources, Sca7, “Lionlamb”

9 D’Arcy W. Thompson, (found in Nancy Morgan’s book)Against a foe I can myself defend—But Heaven protect me from a blundering friend.

Psalm 41Notes

Communication Resources, Sca7, “Lionlamb”

Psalm 42Hebrew

General ReferencesRichard Foster, Prayer, p. 23 & 24

They had confidence in the character of God AND exasperation at the inaction of God:“I say to God my rock, ‘Why have you forgotten me?’” (Ps. 42:9) And as we wait for that promised land of the soul, we can echo the prayer of Bernard ofClairvaux, “O my God, deep calls unto deep (Ps. 42:7). The deep of my profound miserycalls to the deep of Your infinite mercy.”

Verse References1-2 David Rensberger, “Thirsty for God,” Weavings (July/August 2000), p. 19

1-2 Wendy M. Wright, “I Thirst,” Weavings (July/August 2000), p. 33



7 Phillips Brooks, “Deep Calling unto Deep,” The Light of the World, p. 234-252

Psalm 43

Psalm 44Cross References: 21 John 2:25

22 Romans 8:36

General ReferencesDonald Senior and Carroll Stuhlmueller, Biblical Foundations for Mission, p. 127-130

Psalm 45 Cross References: 6-7 Hebrews 1:8-9 17 Luke 1:48

General References Theodor H. Gaster, The Dead Sea Scriptures, p. 331 f.

John Michael Talbot, “Part I and Part II,” Chant from the Hermitage

Verse References 4 Christoph Blumhardt, “Wonders,” Blumhardt Reader, p. 236-240

7 Communication Resources, Sca5, “Anoint”


Psalm 45Notes

Communication Resources, Sca5, “Anoint”

Psalm 46Cross References: 4 Revelation 22:1-2

5 Revelation 21:2210 Isaiah 30:15

General ReferencesDonald Senior and Carroll Stuhlmueller, Biblical Foundations for Mission, p. 122-124

Verse References1 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Strength”

8-10 Robert P. Mills, “Come and See … Be Still and Know,” Science and Christian Faith, p. 51 f.

10 Ronald B. Allen, “The Context of Silence,” Worship Leader (September 1998), p. 10

10 Sir Paul Reeves, Monday Morning (March 18, 1991)

10 An Indonesian author, (1983) “I Samuel 3:10,” Imaging the Word, Vol. 3, p. 123

Psalm 46Notes

Ronald B. Allen, “The Context of Silence” These words [Ps. 46:10] are heaven’s threat of horrendous judgment on the wicked. They arethe same in force as those we read in the prophets: “But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let allthe earth keep silence before Him” (Habbakuk 2:20); “Be silent in the presence of the Lord God;For the day of the Lord is at hand” (Zephaniah 1:7); “Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for Heis aroused from His holy habitation” (Zachariah 2:13).

Sir Paul ReevesGodgrant me to besilent before youthat I may hear you;at rest with you—that you manwork in me;open to you—that you may enter;empty before you—that you may fill meLet me be stillAnd know that you are my GodAmen.

An Indonesian author (1983)In the depth of silence no words are needed, no language required.In the depth of silence I am called to listenListen to the beating of your heart.Listen to the blowing of the wind, the movement of the Spirit.Be silent, said the Lord, and know that I am God.And listen to the cry of the voiceless.Listen to the groaning of the hungry.Listen to the pain of the landless.Listen to the sigh of the oppressed and the laughter of childrenFor that is authentic communication;listening to peopleliving with peopledying for people.

Psalm 46Notes

Communication Resources, Sca6, “Strength”

Psalm 47

General References James A. Wharton, “Between Text and Sermon,” Interpretation (April 1993), p. 163-165

Verse References 2 Cover Art, “Old Testament”

Psalm 47 Notes



10 Matthew 6:9

Psalm 49

General ReferencesLeo Cullum, “Cartoon,” The New Yorker (October 2, 2000), p. 110


Psalm 50 Hebrew

Cross References: 5-15 Hebrews 10:11-18

Verse References 3 David K. Antieau, “Our God Comes,” U.M. Reporter (February 27, 1987)

You make a calm assault on our deafness, penetrating life in places silent as a womb walking poor through our crowded streets; dropping to our bellies from the holy cup. We try not to listen to you but your word confronts us in the fabric of all life.


Psalm 50 Notes


Psalm 51 Hebrew

Cross References: 4 Matthew 7:1-5; Romans 3:4

General References Claire Vonk Brooks, “Between Text and Sermon,” Interpretation (January 1995), p. 62-66

Verse References 1 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Mercy”


6 Flora Slosson Wuellner, Prayer and Our Bodies, p. 36 f.

10-12 Imaging the Word, Vol. 2, p. 144-147

10 Newsletter Newsletter, “heart.tif,” Scripture Cover Art (SCA2)


12 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Restore”

15 John Donne, “In the Shadow of Thy Wings,” Classics of Western Spirituality, p. 181


17 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Kneel1”

Psalm 51Notes

Communication Resources, Sca6, “Mercy” Communication Resources, Sca2, “Heart”

Communication Resources, Sca6, “Restore” Communication Resources, Sca6, “Kneel1”

Psalm 51 Notes, 2



Psalm 52

Psalm 53Cross References: 1-3 Romans 3:10-12

Psalm 54

Psalm 55Cross References: 22 1 Peter 5:7

Verse References12-15 Luther E. Smith, Jr., “Praying beyond the Boundaries of the Heart,” Weavings (September/October

1995), p. 38 f.

Psalm 56 Cross References: 12 Psalm 116:17-18

Verse References 3 Robert C. Morris, “Paradoxical Security,” Weavings (September/October 2006), p. 20 f.

Psalm 57Cross References: 6 Proverbs 1:17-18

Psalm 58

General ReferencesGerrit S. Dawson, Weavings (September/October 1991), p. 33-34


Psalm 59

Verse References16 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Sunflowr”

Psalm 59Notes

Communication Resources, Sca6, “Sunflowr”

Psalm 60

Psalm 61

Psalm 62Cross References: 12 Jeremiah 17:10; Revelation 2:23, 14:13, 22:12


6 Communication Resources, Sca5, “Cross”

Psalm 62Notes

Communication Resources, Sca5, “Cross”

Psalm 63Hebrew

General ReferencesWendy Wright, “Two Faces of Joy,” Weavings (November/December 1993), p. 21 f.


1 David Rensberger, “Thirsty for God,” Weavings (July/August 2000), p. 21-23


1 Flora Slosson Wuellner, Prayer and Our Bodies, p. 47 ff.

4 Communication Resources, Sca5, “Lifthand”

7 John Donne, Classics of Western Spirituality, p. 171-186

Psalm 63Notes

Communication Resources, Sca5, “Lifthand”

Psalm 64

Psalm 65 General References

Flora Slosson Wuellner, Prayer and Our Bodies, p. 116 121

Verse References 11 Newsletter Newsletter, “Cover Art: OT”

11 Communication Resources, Sca2004, “Bounty2”

Psalm 65 Notes

Cover Art, “Old Testament Sca2004, “Bounty2”

Psalm 66Cross References: 6 Exodus 14:21; Joshua 3:14-17

Verse References4-5 Imaging the Word, Vol. 2, p. 46-49

Psalm 67 Hebrew

Verse References 6 Newsletter Newsletter, “Scripture Art: Old Testament”

Psalm 67 Notes


Psalm 68Cross References: 6 Isaiah 42:7, 61:1

8 Exodus 19:1818 Ephesians 4:8

General ReferencesImaging the Word, Vol. 1, p. 68

Verse References20 John Donne, Classics of Western Spirituality, p. 233

Psalm 69Cross References: 4 Psalm 35:19; John 15:25

9 John 2:17; Romans 15:321 Matthew 27:48; Mark 15:36; Luke 23:26; John 19:28-29

22-23 Romans 11:9-1025 Acts 1:20

26-27 Isaiah 40:2; Jeremiah 20:10-1128 Exodus 32:32; Revelation 3:5, 13:8, 17:8

General ReferencesDonald Juel, Messianic Exegesis, p. 110

Verse References



9 Robert C. Morris, “New Clothes for the Soul,” Weavings (January/February 1996)

Holy splendor" (NRSV) or "the beauty of holiness" (BCP) apparently refers to thewearing of splendid or special clothing when entering the Temple. In Patristic imagerysuch clothing becomes a symbol of human nature.

13 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Fish2”

20-21 Wendy M. Wright, “I Thirst,” Weavings (July/August 2000), p. 29 f.

22-28 Luther E. Smith, Jr., “Praying beyond the Boundaries of the Heart,” Weavings(September/October 1995), p. 36

34 Communication Resources, “Dolphins.tif ,” (SCA4) Scripture Cover Art

34 Newsletter Newsletter, “Scripture Art: Old Testament”

Psalm 69Notes

Communication Resources, Sca6, “Fish2” Communication Resources, Sca4, “Dolphins.tif ”

Psalm 69Notes


Psalm 70

Psalm 71

General ReferencesToni Craven, “Between Text & Sermon,” Interpretation (January 2004), p. 56-58

Psalm 72 Cross References: 6-7 Isaiah 55:10-11; Matthew 5:44-45 8 Zechariah 9:10 9-11 Isaiah 60:9-14; Matthew 2:11 14 Psalm 116:15 17 Genesis 12:2-3 19 Psalm 103:1-2, 20-22

Verse References 5 Scripture Art, “Old Testament”

11 Cover Art, “Old Testament”

Psalm 72 Notes

Scripture Art, “Old Testament”

Cover Art, “Old Testament”

Psalm 73 Cross References: 1 Matthew 5:8 26 1 John 3:20 28 Matthew 5:8

General References Daniel Berrigan, “Uncommon Prayer,” Sharing the Darkness, p. 168

Kathleen Norris, Amazing Grace, p. 175


Samuel Terrien, “Beyond Death,” The Elusive Presence, p. 315

Hans Walter Wolff, Old Testament and Christian Preaching, p. 45-54

Verse References 23-26 Christoph Blumhardt, “Nevertheless I Will Hold to Thee,” Blumhardt Reader, p. 241-249

25 Dan Damon, “The Earth is God’s Home,” The Sound of Welcome, p. 14

25 Thomas R. Kelly, A Testament of Devotion, p. 32

But the first step to the obedience of the second half is the flaming vision of the wonder of such a life, a vision which comes occasionally to us all … through a haunting verse of the Psalms—”Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And there is none upon earth I desire beside Thee.”

Psalm 73Notes

Kathleen Norris, Amazing Grace, p. 175

Psalm 73 contains a classic projection onto others of the good things that the psalmist lacks.Of thosewho do evil he says, “Fof them there are no pains; / their bodies are sound and sleek. /They do not share in human sorrows; / they are not striken like others: (vv. 4-5). But when hewonders what use it is to continue along the path of goodness, he pulls back, suddenly, saying,“If I should speak like that, I should betray all my people” (v. 15, Grail), by which he means theentirety of his religious inheritance.

Psalm 74 Cross References: 9 Mark 8:11-12 13 Exodus 14:21 14 Job 41:1; Psalm 104:26; Isaiah 27:1

General References J. Richard Middleton, “Created in the Image of a Violent God?” Interpretation (October 2004),

p. 341-355

Verse References 14 Ancient Near East, Vol. 1, p. 108

Psalm 75Cross References: 8 Isaiah 51:17; Mark 10:38-39; 14:36

Psalm 76

Verse References10 John Witherspoon, “Sermon,” Lend Me Your Ears, p. 425 ff.

Psalm 77

General ReferencesJames Earl Massey, “Songs in the Night,” Best Sermons I, p. 349

Psalm 78Hebrew

Cross References: 2 Matthew 13:3519 Psalm 23:524 John 6:3137 Acts 8:21

Verse References1-4 Imaging the Word, Vol. 3, p. 38

13-29 John Dominic Crossan, The Historical Jesus, p. 407

it seems possible that 128 WALKING ON WATER [1/2] developed from 3 BREADAND FISH [1/6] as a natural dyad based on the balance and sequence of sea and mealmiracles from the Exodus tradition as summarized, for example, in Psalm 78:13 21-29. Ifthat is so, the order of meal and sea in the Miracle Source used by Mark and John mayhave been reversed under the influence of the non-Exodus situation and sequence in Psalm107:4-9, 23-32

Psalm 79Cross References: 9 Ezekiel 36:22-27; Matthew 6:9-13

12 Matthew 18:21

Verse References13 Communication Resources, “Sheep.tif ,” (SCA2) Scripture Cover Art, p. 12

Psalm 79Notes

Communication Resources, “Sheep.tif ”

Psalm 80Cross References: 1 Exodus 25:22

7-19 Isaiah 5:1-7; Mark 12:1-1114-17 Daniel 7:13

General ReferencesMadeleine L’Engle, The Irrational Season, p. 103

It is only when I am not afraid to recognize my own brokenness, to say “Turn us again,Lord God of hosts, cause thy face to shine and we shall be whole”—that the broken bonesmay begin to heal and to rejoice. Without this phos hilarion, this joyous light, we fightagainst our impotence in our spiritual lives, our intellectual lives, a large portion of ourphysical lives.

Verse References


1-7 Leonora Tubbs Tisdale, “Between Text and Sermon,” Interpretation (October 1993), p. 396-399


3 Communication Resources, Sca5, “Crocus”


14-17 Donald Juel, Messianic Exegesis, p. 168


Psalm 80Notes

Communication Resources, Sca5, “Crocus”

Psalm 81Cross References: 3 Numbers 10:10

7 Exodus 17:7; Numbers 20:139 Exodus 20:2-3; Dueteronomy 5:6-7

Verse References1-3 Robert F. Morneau, “The Gift of Music,” Gift Mystery Calling, p. 31-35


Psalm 82 Cross References: 6 Matthew 5:13-14; John 10:34

General References Kenneth M. Craig, Jr., “Between Text and Sermon,” Interpretation (July 1995), p. 281-284

John Dominic Crossan and Jonathan L. Reed, Excavating Jesus, p. 173-175


Psalm 83Cross References: 9 Judges 7:1-23; 4:6-22

11 Judges 7:25; 8:12

Psalm 84Hebrew

Cross References: 3 Luke 12:7; John 20:28

General ReferencesRobert Benedetto, “Between Text and Sermon,” Interpretation (January 1997), p. 57-61

John Michael Talbot, “The Courts of the Lord,” Meditations in the Spirit


Verse References2 Flora Slosson Wuellner, Prayer and Our Bodies, p. 61 f.

10 Newsletter Newsletter, “psalm84.tif ,” Cover Art: Old Testament

11 Communication Resources, “Son.tif,” (SCA2) Scripture Cover Art

Psalm 84Notes


11 Communication Resources, “Son.tif,” (SCA2) Scripture Cover Art


Verse References10-11 Julia Loesch, The Beatitudes in Modern Life, p. 165 f.

Psalm 86 Cross References: 9 Revelation 15:4 11 Matthew 5:8

Verse References 11-17 Thomas Conley, “Theodicy in the Library,” Best Sermons 2, p. 135-142

11-17 Andrew E. Arterbury, “Between Text and Sermon,” Interpretation (July 2005), p. 290-292

11 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Teachme”

11 Cover Art: Old Testament, Newsletter Newsletter

Psalm 86Notes

Communication Resources, Sca6, “Teachme” “Cover Art: Old Testament,”

Psalm 87

General ReferencesJohanna W. H. Bos, “Between Text and Sermon,” Interpretation (July 1993), p. 281-285

Psalm 88

General ReferencesCharles E. Crain, “The Suffering Man and the Silent God,” Best Sermons I, p. 117


Psalm 89 Hebrew

Cross References: 4 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 132:11; Acts 2:30 9 Mark 4:35-41; 6:51 20 1 Samuel 13:14; 16:12; Acts 13:22 26 2 Samuel 7:14 27 Revelation 1:5 29-33 2 Samuel 7:14-16 33 2 Timothy 2:13

General References Donald Juel, Messianic Exegesis, p. 104-110

J. Richard Middleton, “Created in the Image of a Violent God?” Interpretation (October 2004), p. 341-355


Verse References 15-17 Flora Slosson Wuellner, Prayer and Our Bodies, p. 124

48 John Donne, Sermons on the Psalms & Gospels, p. 29

Psalm 90Hebrew

Cross References: 4 2 Peter 3:85-7 Isaiah 40:6-712 Ephesians 5:15-16

General ReferencesAlice Marsh, “Letter to the Class of 1941,” Esparto High School Yearbook


Ivan Steiger, Ivan Steiger Sees the Bible, p. 81-82

Imaging the Word, Vol. 3, p. 54

Verse References


1-2 Wendell Berry, “1989 - VII,” A Timbered Choir, p. 111


10 Kathleen Norris, Amazing Grace, p. 36


12 Joseph A. Hill, “The Days of Our Years,” Best Sermons 2, p. 363-367

12 Communication Resources, “Newyear.tif ,” (SCA3) Scripture Cover Art, p. 25

12 Newsletter Newsletter, “Scripture Art: Old Testament”

14 John Donne, Classics of Western Spirituality, p. 199-217

17 William of St. Thierry, quoted in Sharing the Darkness, p. 122

Psalm 90Notes

Wendell Berry, “1989 - VII”And I knew that I was present inThe long age of the passing world, in whichI once was not, now am, and will not be,And in that time, beneath the changing tree,I rested in a keeping not my own.

William of St. Thierry… establish the workthat you have wrought in us, lest we returnagain to clay and nothingness.

Kathleen Norris

This sort of detachment is neither passive nor remote but paradoxically is fully engaged withthe world. … It does not mean “being above it all,” but recognizes that one shares in a commonhuman lot—“Our span is seventy years, or eighty for those who are strong, and most of these areemptiness and pain” (Ps. 90:10, Grail). It is the sort of prayer that can absorb all manner of pain,and transform it into hope.

Alice MarshTo the Class of 1941, Greetings:

Our wish for you in these troubled times, is that you may find a rhythm to fit your life and thatyou may keep a steady beat—may keep serene and self-controlled and purposeful. Keep serene,for worry saps the strength of mind and body. Keep self-control, for anger cripples the spirit.Keep a purpose ever in mind. Never give up. Lives of all men who have won a place in theworld are witness to success-crowned persistence. Do now what is to be done. There is no yesterday, with its vain regrets, nor yet a tomorrow, with its uncertainties; there isonly today, and “It’s later than you think.” Fill each today, each minute and each hour full ofcourage, honor, kindness, determination. Remember that each minute and each hour of eachtoday is your to use only once. Do not attempt to repair a broken day. It can never be usedagain.

Psalm 90Notes

Newsletter Newsletter, Cover Art: Old Testament

Communication Resources, “Newyear.tif ,” (SCA3) Scripture Cover Art, p. 25

Psalm 90Notes


Psalm 91Cross References: 11-12 Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:10-11

13 Luke 10:19

Verse References1 Newsletter Newsletter, “Psalm 091x1,” Scripture Art

Psalm 91Notes

Newsletter Newsletter, “Psalm 091x1,” Scripture Art

Psalm 92Cross References: 12-14 Psalm 1:3

Verse References1-2 PC(USA), Stewardship Resources, “Psalm 092x1-2,” Scripture Art: Old Testament (x3)

4 Newsletter Newsletter, “Psalm 092x04,” Scripture Art: Old Testament


12 Communication Resources, “Palmtree.tif ,” (SCA3) Scripture Cover Art, p. 25

Psalm 92Notes

Newsletter Newsletter, “Psalm 092x04,” Scripture Art: Old Testament

Communication Resources, “Palmtree.tif ,” (SCA3) Scripture Cover Art, p. 25

Psalm 92Notes, p. 2

PC(USA), Stewardship Resources, “Psalm 092x1-2”

PC(USA), Stewardship Resources, “Psalm 092x1-2A”

PC(USA), Stewardship Resources, “Psalm 092x1-2B”

Psalm 93Cross References: 1-2 Matthew 28:18

Verse References3 Annie Dillard, For the Time Being, p. 141 f.

A Hasid was traveling to Miedzyboz to spend the Day of Atonement with the BaalShem Tov in the prayer house. Nightfall caught him in an open field, and forced him, tohis distress, to pray alone. After the holiday “the Baal Shem received him with particularhappiness and cordiality. ‘Your praying,’ he said, ‘lifted up all the prayers which werelying stored in that field.’”

4 Communication Resources, “Sea.tif ,” (SCA2) Scripture Cover Art, p. 12

Psalm 93Notes

4 Communication Resources, “Sea.tif, ,” (SCA2) Scripture Cover Art


11 1 Corinthians 3:20

Verse References4 Nahum Sarna, Bible Review (August 1993), p. 38-39

16 John Wesley, “The Reformation of Manners,” Fifty-Three Sermons, p. 749-768

Psalm 95Cross References: 1-11 Psalm 81

7-11 Hebrews 3:7-11; 4:3-118-9 Exodus 17:1-7; Numbers 20:2-1311 Deuteronomy 12:9-10

General ReferencesRonald P. Byars, “Between Text and Sermon,” Interpretation (January 2002), p. 77-79


Verse References1 Newsletter Newsletter, “Psalm 095x1,” Scripture Art

Psalm 95Notes

“Scripture Art: Old Testament”

Psalm 96Cross References: 4 Psalm 48:2; 145:3

7-9 Psalm 29:1-2

Verse References1 “Cover Art: Old Testament,” Newsletter Newsletter (March 1999)

11-13 Flora Slosson Wuellner, Prayer and Our Bodies, p. 115 f.

Psalm 96Notes

“Cover Art: Old Testament,” Newsletter Newsletter (March 1999)


Verse References11 Kathleen Norris, Amazing Grace, p. 384

Light a seed, and the city Jerusalem, grounded in peace.

11 Communication Resources, “Dawn.tif, ,” (SCA3) Scripture Cover Art

Psalm 97Notes

11 Communication Resources, “Dawn.tif, ,” (SCA3) Scripture Cover Art

Psalm 98 Hebrew

Cross References: 3 Luke 1:54

General References Ellen F. Davis, “Expository Article,” Interpretation (April 1992), p. 171-175


Verse References 5 Cover Art, “Old Testament”

7-9 Wendell Berry, “Meditation in the Spring Rain,” Collected Poems, p. 135 The thickets, I said, send up their praise at dawn.

Psalm 98 Notes


Psalm 99Cross References: 1 Exodus 25:22

Psalm 100Cross References: 3 Ezekiel 34:30-31

General References

Walter Brueggemann, “Expository Article,” Interpretation (January 1985), p. 65-69

James L. Mays, “Worship World and Power: an interpretation of Psalm 100,” Interpretation (July1969), p. 315-330

James R. Shott, “Old Hundredth,” Best Sermons I, p. 104

Verse References4 Newsletter Newsletter, Cover Art

4 Communication Resources, Sca5, “Harvest”

Psalm 100Notes

Newsletter Newsletter, Cover Art Communication Resources, Sca5, “Harvest”


General ReferencesDavid Rosenberg, A Poet's Bible, p. 39

Psalm 102Cross References: 3-4 Jeremiah 20:9

25-27 Hebrews 1:10-12

Verse ReferencesPreface Your Word is Fire, p. 70

The Psalmist says:A prayer of a poor man"—But the text may also read:A prayer to a poor man!Though the treasure houses of the king are full,they are managed by the king's officials.Having nothing to do with all his treasures,the king himself is like a poor man.One who comes in search of treasurewill never see the King.Only one who seeks no richeswho prays as to a poor mancan come before the King himself.

Psalm 103Hebrew

Cross References: 1-2 Psalm 72:196 Matthew 5:10

8-14 Matthew 7:7-118-9 Jeremiah 3:128 Exodus 34:6; Psalm 2:11; James 5:1113 Luke 6:36; 2 Corinthians 1:315 Job 7:1017 Luke 1:5018 Matthew 28:20

19-22 Matthew 6:9-10



Dom Helder Camara, The Desert is Fertile, p. 9

Carla De Sola, The Spirit Moves, p. 20

Elizabeth Macklin, “Psalm 103 & Vanity,” The New Yorker (1/23/95), p. 69


Verse References


Dom Helder CamaraWe bless you Fatherfor the thirstyou put in us,for the boldnessyou inspirefor the firealight in usthat is you in usyou the just.

Elizabeth Macklin, “Psalm 103 & Vanity”“The LORD is full of compassionand mercy, long sufferingand of great goodness.”Why aren't you?The littlest thing overthrows youinto bad feeling in theworst way. In the worst way,or one of them,as in a dreama black-brown cancer becamea 3-inch block, without yourhaving noticed, until too late.Why won't you take steps to guardthe lightness of heartthat comes from trying to see straight;or to make amends, even late.The railroad bridges' stoneis allowed to be overgrown.Is clearing away the ivy(maintenance!) vanity?

Psalm 103 Verse References 1-5 John Donne, “Preserve My Soul,” The Book of Uncommon Prayer, p. 50

1 Michel Boutier, Prayers for My Village, p. 77

1 Frederick Buechner, “The Breaking of Silence,” The Magnificent Defeat, p. 127 f.

1 Madeleine L'Engle, The Irrational Season, p. 60 & 108

1 Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Hymn of the Universe, p. 15, 29

8 Elizabeth Macklin, “Psalm 103 & Vanity,” You’ve Just Been Told, p. 32

13 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Father”

14 “Instruction of Amen-Em-Opet,” Ancient Near East, Vol. 1, p. 243

20 Rainer Maria Rilke, “The Angel,” New Poems, p. 82-83

Psalm 103 Notes

John Donne

Thou hast a care of the preservation of my body in all the ways of my life; but, in the straits of death, open Thine eyes wider, and enlarge Thy providence toward me so far that no illness or agony may shake and benumb my soul.

Michel Boutier

My God, my Father, I want to bless You from the bottom of my heart. Let all that is in me bless Your Holy Name! I am full, my God, above all that I can say. What have I done for so many blessings? My whole village that thinks of me, surrounds me with its prayers and its love— these countless signs that You have multiplied for me. O my God, yes! Have I not received hundreds and hundreds of times more than I have left: houses, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers! Let all that is in me bless Your Holy Name.

Frederick Buechner

You say, “Praise the Lord, O my soul,” which means, “I am drunk with the terrible splendor of this life, but the joy is not full until I speak of it to you.”

Madeleine L'Engle

the circle of blessing is completed only when man blesses God, that God's blessing does not return to him empty. (p. 60)

Bless the Lord, O my soul, I cry with the psalmist, whose songs, after all these thousand of years, still sing so poignantly for us. O bless his Holy Name, and may he bless each one of us and teach us to bless one another. (p. 108)


If the Fire has come down into the heart of the world it is in the last resort to lay hold on me and to absorb me. … What I must do … is to consent to the communion which will enable it to find in me the food it has come, in the last resort, to seek. (p. 29)

The man who is filled with an impassioned love of Jesus hidden in the forces which bring increase to the earth, him the earth will lift up like a mother in the immensity of her arms and will enable him to contemplate the face of God. (p. 30)

“Instruction of Amen-Em-Opet”

For man is clay and straw, And the god is his builder.

Psalm 103Notes, p. 2

Elizabeth Macklin“The LORD is full of compassionand mercy, long-sufferingand of great goodness.”Why aren’t YOU?

The littlest thing overthrows youinto bad feeling in theworst way. In THE worst way,or one of them,

as in a dreama black-brown cancer becamea 3-inch block, without yourhaving noticed, until too late.

Why won’t you take steps to guardthe lightness of heartthat comes from trying to SEE straight;or to make amends, even late.

The railroad bridges’ stoneis ALLOWED to be overgrown.Is clearing away the ivy(maintenance!) vanity?

Psalm 103Notes

Communication Resources, Sca6, “Father”

Psalm 104Cross References: 4 Hebrews 1:7

12 Matthew 13:32; Mark 4:32; Luke 13:1930 John 3:3; 1 Corinthians 15:45; 2 Corinthians 5:17

General ReferencesCarlo Carretto, Love is for Living, p. 83-88

Virgil Howard, “Expository Article,” Interpretation (April 1992), p. 176-180

Robert F. Morneau, “The Mystery of Nature,” Gift Mystery Calling, p. 45-50

Ancient Near East, Vol. 1, p. 228-230


10 Communication Resources, Sca5, “Bucket”

22-23 Sydney Lea, “Road Agent,” Odd Angles of Heaven, p. 177-180

24 Communication Resources, “Works.tif ,” (SCA2) Scripture Cover Art, p. 14



Psalm 104Notes

Communication Resources, Sca5, “Bucket”

Communication Resources, “Works.tif ,” (SCA2) Newsletter Newsletter, “psalm104.tif ,” Cover Art

Psalm 104Notes

Newsletter Newsletter, Scripture Art

Psalm 105Cross References: 8-9 Luke 1:72-73

General ReferencesMarty E. Stevens, “Between Text and Sermon,” Interpretation (April 2003), p. 187-189


4 Luke 23:428 Ezekiel 36:2225 Isaiah 29:2431 Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3


9 Luke 1:53; 6:2129 Mark 4:39

33-38 Isaiah 43:19-21; Revelation 22:1-2

General ReferencesGerrit S. Dawson, Weavings (September/October 1991), p. 32-33


Verse References4-32 John Dominic Crossan, The Historical Jesus, p. 407

it seems possible that 128 WALKING ON WATER [1/2] developed from 3 BREADAND FISH [1/6] as a natural dyad based on the balance and sequence of sea and mealmiracles from the Exodus tradition as summarized, for example, in Psalm 78:13 21-29. Ifthat is so, the order of meal and sea in the MIRACLE SOURCE used by Mark and Johnmay have been reversed under the influence of the non-Exodus situation and sequence inPsalm 107:4-9, 23-32


Psalm 108

General ReferencesHelen Vendler, “Psalms and John,” Communion, p. 385 f.

Verse References1-2 Eugene Peterson, “Twenty-Three Years … Persistently,” Weavings (July/August 1994), p. 22 f.

1-2 Thomas Merton, “The Trappist Abbey: Matins,” Selected Poetry, p. 16

1 Wayne E. Simsic, “Awakening,” Weavings (January/February 2003), p. 30-36

Psalm 109Cross References: 8 Acts 1:20

25 Matthew 27:39; Mark 15:29


Psalm 110Cross References: 1 Psalm 8:6; Mark 12:36, 14:62; Acts 2:34; 1 Corinthians 15:25

4 Hebrews 5:6 & 10, 6:20; 7:11 & 15 & 21

General ReferencesDonald Juel, Messianic Exegesis, p. 135-150

Verse References1 Blaise Pascal, Pensées, “#730,” p. 220

Prophecies—That Jesus Christ will sit on the right hand till God has subdued Hisenemies. Therefore He will not subdue them himself.


10 Job 28:28; Proverbs 1:7, 9:10

Verse References10 Karl Barth, “Fear of the Lord,” Weavings (March/April 1999), p. 19-20

Psalm 112Cross References: 4 Malachi 4:2

9 2 Corinthians 9:9

Verse References6 Communication Resources, “wreath.tif,” (SCA4) Scripture Cover Art

Psalm 112Notes

6 Communication Resources, “wreath.tif,” (SCA4) Scripture Cover Art

Psalm 113Cross References: 3 Malachi 1:11

7-9 Luke 1:46-55

General ReferencesPeter Craigie, “Expository Article,” Interpretation (January 1985), p. 70-74

Verse References3 Newsletter Newsletter, “Psalm 113x3,” Cover Art: Old Testament

Psalm 113Notes

Cover Art: Old Testament

Psalm 114Cross References: 2 Matthew 6:9-10; Luke 11:2

8 Exodus 17:1-7


Bezalel Narkiss, Hebrew Illuminated Manuscripts, p. 71

Psalm 115 Cross References: 4-8 Psalm 135:15-18; Revelation 9:20 8 Jeremiah 2:5 13 Revelation 11:18, 19:5



Psalm 115 Notes


Psalm 116 Cross References: 10 2 Corinthians 4:13 11 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 12 1 Thessalonians 3:9 15 Psalm 72:14 17-18 Psalm 56:12

General References Carla De Sola, The Spirit Moves, p. 102

Marilyn von Waldner, “What Return Can I Make?,” What Return Can I Make?

Verse References 12-19 John Michael Talbot, “My Vows to the Lord,” Hiding Place, p. 0

12 Cover Art: Old Testament

13 Communication Resources, “Cup.tif ,” (SCA2) Scripture Cover Art, p. 5

Psalm 116 Notes

Communication Resources, Sca2, “Cup” Cover Art: Old Testament

Psalm 118Cross References: 6 Hebrews 13:6

14 Exodus 15:2; Isaiah 12:222-23 Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10-11

22 Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:725 Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:9; John 12:1326 Matthew 21:9, 23:39; Mark 11:9; Luke 13:35, 19:38; John 12:13

General ReferencesRonald M. Hals, “Expository Article,” Interpretation (July 1983), p. 277-283

Verse References3-7 Bezalel Narkiss, Hebrew Illuminated Manuscripts, p. 63

24 Denise Levertov, “Daily Bread,” Evening Train, p. 13

27-29 Bezalel Narkiss, Hebrew Illuminated Manuscripts, p. 54-55

Psalm 118Notes

Denise LevertovA gull far offrises and falls, arc of a breath,two sparrows pause on the telephone wire,chirp a brief interchange, fly back to the ground,the bus picks up one passenger and zooms up the hill,across the water the four poplarsconceal their tremor, feet together, arms pressed to their sides,behind them the banked conifers dark and steep;my peartree drops a brown pear from its inaccessible heightinto a bramble and ivy tangle, grey skywhitens a little, now one can see vague forms of cloudpencilled lightly across it.This is the day that the Lord hath made,let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 119Cross References: 11 Matthew 6:19-21

46 Isaiah 52:15; Mark 13:9-1154 Psalm 137:2-471 Matthew 5:372 Proverbs 3:14-1573 Psalm 19

89-90 Mark 13:3198-100 Luke 2:41-52

113 Matthew 5:8, 6:22134 Mark 10:45136 Luke 19:41162 Matthew 13:44-46176 Ezekiel 34:11-16; Luke 15:3-7


Psalm 119

General References Doug Hitt, “Translations,” Weavings (May/June 1995), p. 26

John Michael Talbot, “The Word of God,” Meditations in the Spirit

Verse References 9 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Key”




103-104 Imaging the Word, Vol. 2, p. 50-53



105 91-92 Planning Calendar Art

145-152 John Michael Talbot, “Lord Hear Me,” Meditations in the Spirit

147 Michel Boutier, Prayers for My Village, p. 11

Psalm 119Notes

Doug Hittwere I to live on PsalmsI would read lustrous smooth olive skinand dance wildly before it, singingpore over succulent proverbs—…I would recite approaching twilight…turn vast pages of fragrance…How I love thy law!

Michel BoutierI come to precede words and works.I come, Lord, to precede the awakening of my villagemay You be always first named, first sought, first served.

Psalm 119Notes

Communication Resources, Sca6, “Key” Newsletter Newsletter, Scripture Art

Newsletter Newsletter, Scripture Art Newsletter Newsletter, Scripture Art

Psalm 119 Notes

Scripture Art: Old Testament Scripture Art: Old Testament

Psalm 121 Cross References: 3-4 Isaiah 5:27 5-6 Isaiah 4:6

General References Jerome F. D. Creach, “Between Text and Sermon,” Interpretation (January 1996), p. 47-51



Verse References 1-2 John Michael Talbot, “I Lift Up My Eyes,” Meditations in the Spirit & Hiding Place

1 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Hills”


Psalm 121Notes

Communication Resources, Sca6 Cover Art: New Testament

Psalm 122

General References Augustine, “Love of Our Enemies (8, 4-10),” Love One Another, My Friends, p. 81

You reconcile those who are quarreling, but we long for the eternal peace of Jerusalem, when there will be no discord.

Verse References 3 Peter Ochs, in John Howard Yoder, The Jewish-Christian Schism Revisited, p. 167

‘Jerusalem built up ( b’nuya , or ‘rebuilt), a city knit together ( sh’chuvrah ).’ Why ‘knit together’? The plain sense of the next verse seems to be clear: a city ‘to which tribes would make pilgrimage’, that is, a city in which the different tribes are knitted together in praise for God. Juxtaposed, however, to the passage from Hosea [11:9], the rabbinic interpreters suggest another meaning that could, at least theologically, apply to the context both of the Psalm and of Hosea. The passage could be read: ‘Jerusalem built as a city that has a companion (she [yesh lo] chavurah)’, that is , has a companion in heaven (!). The implication is that this ‘earthly city’ has a correlative city, or prototype, in heaven.


6 Communication Resources, Sca7, “Peace4”

8 Newsletter Newsletter, Scripture Art: Old Testament

Psalm 122 Notes

SCA 7, “Peace4”

Scripture Art: New Testament

Psalm 123

Psalm 124

General ReferencesJohn Michael Talbot, “Psalm 124,” Chant from the Hermitage

Psalm 125

General ReferencesCarol Bechtel Reynolds, “Between Text and Sermon,” Interpretation (July 1994), p. 272-275

Psalm 126

General ReferencesWendell Berry, “Poem for J.” Collected Poems, p. 167

In her sorrow she renews life in her griefshe prepares the return of joy.

Marilyn von Waldner, “The Lord has done Great Things for Us,” What Return Can I Make?

Psalm 127

General ReferencesGary Snyder, Axe Handles, p. 57

Hers was not aSheath.It wasAQuiver.


Verse References1-2 John Michael Talbot, “Unless the Lord Build the House,” Hiding Place

1 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Hammer”

2 Flora Slosson Wuellner, Prayer and Our Bodies, p. 125 f.

Psalm 127Notes

Communication Resources, Sca6, “Hammer”

Psalm 128Cross References: 2 Genesis 3:17

General ReferencesWendell Berry, Another Turn of the Crank, p. 69

… an articulate hope … of a settled, independent, frugal life on a small freehold. Wecan find this hope in Hesiod, in … Virgil … in the 128th Pslam. This was the vision thatwe finally came to call “Jeffersonian”—a free nation of authentically and securely landedpeople. …life adapted to available technology and personal desire and life adapted to a knownplace.

Wendell Berry, What Are People For?, p. 160

Throughout most of our literature, the normal thing was for the generations to succeedone another in place.

Helen Vendler, “Psalms and John,” Communion, p. 384 f.

Psalm 129Cross References: 3 2 Corinthians 11:24; Galatians 6:17

6-7 Mark 4:5-6

Verse References13-16 Alexander Maclaren, Praying With the Psalms (Eugene Peterson), (Dec. 2)

Every man carries in his own body reasons enough for reverent gratitude.

Psalm 130 Cross References: 8 Matthew 1:21; Titus 2:14

General References Michel Boutier, Prayers for My Village, p. 63

Patrick D. Miller, Jr., “Expository Article,” Interpretation (April 1979), p. 176-181


John Michael Talbot, “Out of the Depths,” Meditations in the Spirit, p. 0


Psalm 130 Notes


Psalm 131Cross References: 2 Mark 10:13-14

General ReferencesJohn Michael Talbot, “Psalm 131,” Chant from the Hermitage, p. track 17

Verse References2 W. Paul Jones, “Courage as the Heart of Faith,” Weavings (May/June 1997)

2 Eugene Peterson, Praying the Psalms, (November 12)

An infant, noisy with hunger needs, is indifferent to talk and impatient with diversions,but is quickly quieted when put to the mother’s breast. As infants are weaned they are moreand more able to simply be with the mother, not just get from the mother. Faith finds justsuch secure intimacy and satisfying nourishment in repose upon God.

Psalm 132

Cross References: 1-11 2 Samuel 7:1-166-10 2 Chronicles 6:41-4211 Psalm 89:3-4; Acts 2:3017 1 Kings 11:36

Verse References9 Communication Resources, Sca5, “Joy”

Psalm 132Notes

Communication Resources, Sca5, “Joy”

Psalm 133Cross References: 1-3 Exodus 20:12


Stephen V. Doughty, “A Benediction from Communal Time,” Weavings (January/February 1999), p. 37


Verse References1 Imaging the Word, Vol. 2, p. 258-261

1 Communication Resources, Sca6, “Earth”

Psalm 133Notes

Communication Resources, Sca6, “Earth”

Psalm 134


Psalm 135Cross References: 15-18 Psalm 115:4-8; Revelation 9:20

18 Jeremiah 2:5

Psalm 136

General ReferencesYusef Iman, “Love Your Enemy,” The Black Poets, p. 293 f.

Patrick Miller, “Between Text and Sermon,” Interpretation (October 1995), p. 390-393

Psalm 137 Cross References: 2-4 Psalm 119:54 8 Revelation 18:6 9 Hosea 13:16

General References Wendell Berry, Standing by Words, p. 58

Breyten Breytenbach, “Une Vie Sans Ailleurs,” The New Yorker (July 19, 1999), p. 60

Denise Levertov, “May Our Right Hands Lose Their Cunning,” The Freeing of the Dust, p. 33

Thomas Merton, “The Captives—A Psalm,” Selected Poetry, p. 77

Kathleen Norris, “What Song, Then?,” Little Girls in Church



Lorenzo Thomas, “Genesis, Psalms, and Gospels,” Communion, p. 513-526

John Howard Yoder, The Jewish-Christian Schism Revisited, p. 186

Verse References


1-6 Christine Marie Smith, “The Redemptive Songs We Sing,” And Blessed is She, p. 220-229

1-4 Isabel Wood Rogers, “Song in a Strange Land,” Sing a New Song, p. 20-24

4 Lancelot Andrewes, Reflections on Praise & Thanksgiving

4 David H. C. Read, “Faith without Crutches,” I Am Persuaded, p. 93-101

4 Edward Schillebeeckx, “How Shall We Sing the Lord’s Song in a Strange Land?,” God Among Us, p.180-187

Psalm 137 Notes

Kathleen Norris

What Song, Then? When my life is alien soil and a wind like fear makes restless ground of all I have done— what song, then, to send out roots that will drink the rain that does not come— how could I sing? … Half-afraid of what is in me (though God has called it good) I sob over nothing, desires I cannot name. Sing us, they say, a song you remember …

John Howard Yoder

The very possibility of the mocking challenge ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ (137.3 RSV) presupposes the awareness on the part of the ‘captors’ that despite having no temple, the Jews had an important worship life of their own. Even that experience reinforces their identity.

[footnote] We might compare this to the way in which white Americans’ awareness of the power of the spirituals and of blues have contributed to both the viability and the self-respect of African-Americans.

Lancelot Andrewes

he is a happy man that hath learned the art in which we shall never excel till we are fitted for the quire above: for who can sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?

Psalm 137Notes, p. 2

Breyten Breytenbach, “Une Vie Sans Ailleurs”

but why does the heart still stirremembering its dark wings?and where this wind, down from a hushed skybending the trees that silently quake?and this choked scream unfurlingblack as a bird shot up from the reedsand all those blind houseswhere the dying fasten their breathto the steam on the windowswho cares about the color of the night watchman’s coatsince when do feathers scud across the patiowhat’s the point in remembering,in paraphrasing dusk?or the sun behind a woman’s eye in early morningor the woman in the sun, under a weighted branch?the blood is dry and the embers’ ash forgottenin the cold earth—out of a forest bristling with ice blue starsthe wind unfolds its dark wings:but what does the heart have left to sing?


7 Psalm 23:4



7-12 Amos 9:2-4; Hebrews 4:12-138 Job 11:8

11-12 Job 17:12-13, 23:17; Micah 7:8; Revelation 22:512 Job 10:22; Isaiah 42:16

19-22 2 Chronicles 19:223-24 Jeremiah 17:9-10



Jane Austen, “On Each Return of the Night,” The Book of Uncommon Prayer, p. 10

William P. Brown, “Between Text and Sermon,” Interpretation (July 1996), p. 280-284

Judy Canato, “The Labyrinth: Praying Psalm 139,” Weavings (May/June 2002), p. 37-44

Richard Foster, Prayer, p. 35

Kay Haggart Mills, “a prepared place,” Presbyterian Survey

David Rosenberg, A Poet's Bible, p. 47

James R. Zug, “The Inevitable Encounter,” Best Sermons 2, p. 43-52


Verse References


Richard FosterI invite you to search me to the depths so that I may know myself—and you—in fuller measure.

Kay Haggart Mills, “a prepared place”peaks and valleystriumph and despairsunshine and gloomheights and depthglory and shadow

wherever I find myselfYou, Lord,have already been there.lead me on.


1-12 Dan Damon, “If I Take the Wings of the Morning,” The Sound of Welcome, p. 5


7-12 Kristen Johnson Ingram, “Poverty is Where the Blind Fish Live,” Weavings (January/February2000), p. 16

9-10 Denise Levertov, “Variation and Reflection on a Theme by Rilke,” Breathing the Water, p. 83

9-10 Communication Resources, Sea.tif, (SCA3) Scripture Cover Art, p. 28

9 Clint Hanson, “Lithograph,” Weavings (May/June 2002), p. 37

11-12 Denise Levertov, “To Olga,” Breathing the Water, p. 25

14 David Steinbeck, in Local Newspaper

15 Kathleen Norris, Amazing Grace, p. 314

16 Tanakh (translation)


18 Flora Slosson Wuellner, Prayer and Our Bodies, p. 120

19-22 Adele J. Gonzalez, “Find God in Your Anger,” Weavings (March/April 1994), p. 40 ff.

21-22 Luther E. Smith, Jr., “Praying beyond the Boundaries of the Heart,” Weavings(September/October 1995), p. 36 f.

23-24 Jan Johnson, “Walking with God through Frustration,” Weavings (July/August 2003), p. 35-37

Psalm 139Notes

Kristen Johnson Ingram

The more I tried to want nothing, the more obvious it was that I had hanged myself on myown logic, was hoist by my own pious petard. Like the psalmist, ther was nowhere I could fleefrom God: I took the wings of the morning and settled at the farthest limits of the see, and ranheadlong into my own faith. I tried to make my bed in hell, and there God was. I said, “Let thelight around me become night,” and felt God moving toward me in the hot darkness. You hemme in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. …

Denise Levertov, “Variation and Reflection on a Theme by Rilke”There will never be that stillness.Within the pulse of flesh,in the dust of being, where we trudge, turning our hungry gaze this way and that,the wings of the morningbrush through our bloodas cloud-shadows brush the land.What we desire travels with us.We must breathe time as fishes breathe water.God's flight circles us.

Denise Levertov, “To Olga”we were benighted but not lost …

David Steinbeck

Benjamin Franklin in his Gazette describle an error in a Bible (date not given) in which the“e” was omitted from “made” in the passage, “I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully andwonderfully made.” The passage then read, “for I am fearfully and wonderfully mad.” Franklinwent on to report that this “occasioned an ignorant Preacher who took that Text to harangue hisaudience for half an hour on the subject of spiritual madness.”

Kathleen Norris

There is plenty of poetic material, both in the psalms and the prophets, that employs imagesand metaphors to evoke God’s lifelong care for us as a remarkably intimate relationship. Psalm139, for example, in which the psalmist addresses God: “Already you knew my soul, / my bodyheld no secret from you / when I was being fashioned in secret / and molded in the depths of theearth” (v. 15, Grail). There is much to suggest that God knows everything about us, includingthe time of our death.


Tanakh

Your eyes saw my unformed limbs; they were all recorded in your book; in due time they were formed, to the very last one of them.

Psalm 139Notes

Communication Resources, Sea.tif, (SCA3) Scripture Cover Art, p. 28

Psalm 140

Cross References: 3 Romans 3:13

Psalm 141Cross References: 2 Revelation 5:8

5 Matthew 5:39

General ReferencesJohn Michael Talbot, “Prayer Like Incense,” Meditations in the Spirit, p. 0

Verse References2 Carla De Sola, The Spirit Moves, p. ?

2 Your Word is Fire, p. 51Do not think that the words of prayeras you say themgo up to God.It is not the words themselves that ascend;it is rather the burning desire of your heartthat rises like smoke toward heaven.If your prayer consists only of words and lettersand does not contain your heart's desire—how can it rise up to God?

Psalm 142

Psalm 143 Cross References: 2 Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16 10 Isaiah 40:4

General References Carlo Carretto, Love is for Living, p. 114-119

Verse References 7-8 Percy C. Ainsworth, “Petition and Communion,” Weavings (July/August 2007), p. 33-36

Psalm 144

Cross References: 3 Job 7:17-18; Psalm 8:45 Isaiah 64:1-2


14 Hebrews 12:12


Verse References13 Ancient Near East, Vol. 1, p. 96

14 John Donne, “Hymne to God my God in my Sicknesse,” Classics of Western Spirituality, p. 105


Psalm 145Notes

Newsletter Newsletter, Scripture Art

Psalm 146 Cross References: 6 Acts 4:24, 14:15 7-9 Isaiah 61:1-2

General References William J. Carl, III, “Between Text and Sermon,” Interpretation (April 1994), p. 166-169

Mitchell Dahood, Psalms (The Anchor Bible), p. 340


Psalm 146 Notes

Mitchell Dahood (translation)

Praise Yah! Praise Yahweh, O my soul! May I praise Yahweh my life long, sing to my God while I have my being Trust not in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no security. When his breath departs, he returns to his land; on that day his projects perish. Blest he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is Most High Yahweh, his God, Who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them. Who keeps faith with the wronged, who defends the cause of the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. Yahweh sets prisoners free, Yahweh opens the eyes of the blind, Yahweh uplifts those bent double. Yahweh loves the just, Yahweh protects the strangers. The fatherless and the widow he reassures, but the domination of the wicked he overturns. Yahweh shall reign for ever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise Yah!

Psalm 147 Cross References: 4-5 Isaiah 40:26-28

General References Eugene Peterson, Answering God, p. 121-128

Verse References 1 Ancient Near East, Vol. 1, p. 247

7 Communication Resources, Sca2004, “Harp4”

Psalm 147 Notes

Sca2004, “Harp4”

Psalm 148 General References Michel Boutier, Prayers for My Village, p. 92

Carlo Carretto, Love is for Living, p. 23 f.

Carla De Sola, The Spirit Moves, p. 17 f.

Annie Dillard, Holy the Firm, p. 64 ff.

Terrence E. Fretheim, “Creation's Praise of God in the Psalms,” Ex Auditu (1987), p. 16-30


Traditional African, “An African Canticle,” An African Prayer Book, p. 7f.


Verse References 3 Communication Resources, Sca2004, “Sunmoon”

12 Communication Resources, Sca2004, “Praise21”


Carlo Carretto

And how easy it is to witness to the light! It is the priestly function of man as man. Uprighton earth, I feel that the creatures turn to me so that I can voice their silent adoration of God. Thewind, the fire, the dew and the frost, the ice and the snow, the mountains and the hills, the springsand the seas press on me from all sides. They seem to say: You must not fail in your vocation tospeak for us all in the sight of God. … The more I sing God's praises, the more I feel thatcreatures thank me for having helped them express themselves and that smile in happiness at mykingship. I know that by adoring God I am performing a fundamental eternal act, an act which is an endin itself and part and parcel of my being.

Annie Dillard The world is changing. The landscape begins to respond as a current upwells. … It isstarting to utter its infinite particulars, each overlapping and lone, like a hundred hills of houndsall giving tongue. … I am prayer, and I can hardly see. Each thing in the world is translucent, even the cattle and moving cell by cell. I remember thisreality. Where has it been?

Traditional African, “An African Canticle”All you BIG things, bless the Lord.Mount Kilimanjaro and Lake Victoria,The Rift Valley and the Serengeti Plain,Fat baobabs and shady mango trees,All eucalyptus and tamarind trees,Bless the Lord.Praise and extol Him for ever and ever.All you TINY things, bless the Lord.Busy black ants and hopping fleas,Wriggling tadpoles and mosquito larvae,Fying locusts and water drops,Pollen dust and testse flies,Millet seeds and dried dagaa,Bless the Lord.Praise and extol Him for ever and ever.

Psalm 148 Notes

Sca2004, “Sunmoon” Sca2004, “Praise21”

Psalm 149Cross References: 4 Matthew 5:3; Colossians 3:10


Verse References4-5 Imaging the Word, Vol. 2, p. 58-61

Psalm 150


Verse References1-5 Communication Resources, Music.tif, (SCA3) Scripture Cover Art, p. 24

6 Communication Resources, Sca5, “Muisic”

Psalm 150Notes

Communication Resources, Music.tif, (SCA3) Communication Resources, Sca5, “Music”

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