Psalm 27 – Responsive Reading (selected verses)
On September 14th, we watched a video for our Psalm of the Day, which is Psalm 27. This is a powerful Psalm and rich with parallel poetry. We will introduce the video with the following responsive reading:
Leader – As we recite Psalm 27 responsively, pay particular attention to the poetic parallelism where the congregation repeats the same thoughts as spoken by the Leader. This is a form of Hebrew poetry used extensively throughout the Psalms.
Leader: The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
Congregation: The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
Leader: When evil men advance against me; to devour my flesh,
Congregation: when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
Leader: Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear;
Congregation: though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
Leader: One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
Congregation: to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
Leader: For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
Congregation: he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Leader: Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
Congregation: be merciful to me and answer me.
Leader: My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Congregation: Your face, LORD, I will seek.
Leader: Do not hide your face from me,
Congregation: do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper.
Leader: Teach me your way, O LORD;
Congregation: lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
Leader: Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Source: All scripture text is NIV.
