Archive for Psalms

Psalm 51 – “Change My Heart Oh God”

October 3, 2009 at 6:18 pm · Filed under Book II: 42-72, Psalm of the Day ·Tagged , ,

For our Psalm of the day on 10/11, we have combined portions of Psalm 51 with the song “Change My Heart of God” by Eddie Espinosa.  Here is the script that we will follow:

Pastor:  Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

All:      Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.

 

Pastor:  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

All:      Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.

 

Congregation Sings: “Change My Heart Oh God” #33, Chorus

 

Pastor:  O Lord, open my lips,

All:      and my mouth will declare your praise.

 

Pastor:  You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;

All:      you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

 

Pastor:  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart,

All:      Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. – Isa 64:8

 

Congregation Sings:  Chorus, Verse , Chorus

 

For more information on this song, and to hear it, follow this link:

http://sjbrown58.wordpress.com/2009/01/26/ash-wed-song-choice/

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society

 

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Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet

September 2, 2009 at 7:30 am · Filed under Book V: 107-150, Psalm of the Day ·Tagged ,

For our blended worship service on 9/13, we will be combining the song “Thy Word” by Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith with Psalm 119 as the Psalm of the Day.   Here is the script that we will follow:

Pastor:  Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

All:      Oh, how I love your law!  I meditate on it all day long.

Pastor:  Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me.

All:      I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.

 

Congregation Sings: Chorus, Verse 1, Chorus (LAPPY 313)

 

Pastor:  I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.

All:      I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word.

Pastor:  I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me.

All:      How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

 

Congregation Sings: Chorus, Verse 2, Chorus, CODA, Chorus (LAPPY 313)

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society

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Psalm 84 and “Better is One Day”

July 29, 2009 at 8:00 am · Filed under Book III: 73-89, Matt Redman, Psalm of the Day ·Tagged , ,

The Psalm of the Day for 8/9 is Psalm 84.  Since this is a blended worship service for us, we will be combining a responsive reading of this Psalm with a contemporary song based on the Psalm.  Here is our script:

 

Psalm 84 & “Better is One Day” (Song #23 in the “Best of the Best Songbook”)

 

Pastor:  How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!

All:      My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

 

Pastor: Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

All:      Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.

 

> Soloists sing Verse 1 and Chorus

 

Pastor:  Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;

All:      I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

 

Pastor:  For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor;

All:       no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

 

> Congregation sings Verse 2 and Chorus

 

Pastor: Look upon our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one.

 All: O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.

 

> Soloists sing the “Bridge”

> Congregation sings the Chorus

 

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society

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A responsive reading based on the Psalm passage “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good”

June 10, 2009 at 4:29 pm · Filed under Acclaimation, Book V: 107-150, Thanksgiving ·Tagged , ,

P:  Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them; that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones.  (Ps 106:4,5a)

C:  O Give thanks to the LORD, for He is Good and His steadfast love endures forever.  (Ps 106:1)

 

P: for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.  (Ps 107:9)

C:  O Give thanks to the LORD, for He is Good and His steadfast love endures forever.  (Ps 107:1)

 

P:  O Give thanks to the LORD, for He is Good and His steadfast love endures forever.  (Ps 118:1)

P:  Let Israel say:  (Ps 118:2a)

C:  His love endures forever.  (Ps 118:2b)

P:  Let the house of Aaron say:  (Ps 118: 3a)

C:  His love endures forever.  (Ps 118:3b)

P:  Let those who fear the LORD say:  (Ps 118:4a)

C:  His love endures forever.  (Ps 118:4b)

 

P:  Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good.  (Ps 136:1a)

C:  His love endures forever.  (Ps 136:1b)

P:  Give thanks to the God of Gods.  (Ps 136:2a)

C:  His love endures forever.  (Ps 136:2b)

P:  Give thanks to the Lord of Lords  (Ps 136:3a)

C:  His love endures forever.  (Ps 136:3b)

P:  Give thanks to the God of Heaven  (Ps 136:26a)

C:  His love endures forever.  (Ps 136:22b)

 

You might also consider responding with a song like “Forever” by Chris Tomlin.

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Psalm 150 – “the Greatest Praise Song Ever Written!”

March 21, 2009 at 12:09 pm · Filed under Book V: 107-150

P:  Where shall we praise God?

C:  Praise the LORD.  Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.   (V1)

 

P:  Why should we praise God?

C: Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.  (V2)

 

P: How shall we praise God?

C: Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.   (V3-5)

 

P: Who should praise God?

C: Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.  Praise the LORD.

 

Note the instruments of worship mentioned in this Psalm: trumpet, harp, lyre, tambourine, dancing, strings, flute and resounding cymbals.  Hardly the instruments of dirge-like music.  Actually, it’s quite a cross-section of musical instrumentation.  God has opened wide the gates of our worship. 

 

So…

 

Play your instruments with your God-given skills and abilities

Be grateful for the gifts He has given

Inspire others to use their gifts

Thank God often for the gift of music

Accept thanks and recognition humbly

Boast only in Christ

Pray regularly

Pray for your Pastor and pray for your fellow believers

Put your hope in Christ alone

Grow in your love for, and knowledge of God

Enjoy God and stir a passion for Him

Make more of Him, and less of you

Play your instrument with a servant’s heart

 

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven

-Matthew 5:11,12

 

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society

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The LORD Reigns

March 15, 2009 at 10:43 pm · Filed under Acclaimation, Book IV: 90-106 ·Tagged ,

Psalms 93, 97 and 99 all begin with the acclamation ”the LORD reigns.”   The following responsive reading draws attention to this Old Testament proclamation of praise.

 

P: The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength.  The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.   (PS 93:1)

C: The LORD reigns; you are from all eternity.  (93:2)

 

 

P:  The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.   (Ps97:1)

C:  The LORD reigns.  For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth;

       you are exalted far above all gods.  (Ps 97:9)

 

 

P: The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake.   (Ps 99:1)

C:  The LORD reigns.  Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.  (Ps 99:9)

 

I would follow this up with the singing of one of these worship songs to make a powerful worship moment:

1.  “Ancient of Days” by Gary Sadler & Jamie Harvill

2.  “Lord, Reign in Me” by Brenton Brown

3.  “He Reigns” by the Newsboys

4. “Come Thou Almighty King” by Charles Wesley

5.  “We Will Glorify” by Twila Paris

6. “Beautiful Savior” by Stuart Townend

7. “Amazing Grace” (My Chains are Gone) by John Newton & Chris Tomlin

8. “Awesome God” by Richie Mullins

 

Here’s a video of the Newsboys singing “He Reigns.”   I’ve never sung this in worship, it’s a bit too progressive for our tastes,  but I’m thinking of using it at a future teen event. 

 

 

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society

 

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Psalm 103 – Responsive Reading

February 1, 2009 at 12:09 pm · Filed under Book IV: 90-106 ·Tagged , ,

On Feb 8, our Psalm of the day is Psalm 103.  The following is a responsive reading that uses two readers with congregational responses.  Soliciting Lay readers once in a while helps to build their faith and encourages others to use their gifts in support of the ministry.

 

Pastor: Praise the LORD, O my soul;

Congr: with all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

 

Pastor:              Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-

Lay Reader:      who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

Pastor:              who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,

Lay Reader:      who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

 

Pastor:              The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

Congr: He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel:

 

Pastor:              The LORD is compassionate and gracious,

Lay Reader:     slow to anger, abounding in love.

 

Pastor:              He will not always accuse,

Lay Reader:    nor will he harbor his anger forever;

Congr:             he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.

Pastor:              For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

Congr:             so great is his love for those who fear him;

Pastor:              as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

 

Pastor:             As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

Congr: for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

Pastor:              As for man, his days are like grass,

Congr:             he flourishes like a flower of the field;

Pastor: the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.

Congr:             But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children-

Pastor:              with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.

 

Lay Reader:      The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

Pastor:              Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding,

                        who obey his word.

Lay Reader:      Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.

Congr:             Praise the LORD, all his works, everywhere in his dominion.  Praise the LORD, O my soul.

 

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society

 

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As the Deer

January 19, 2009 at 1:31 pm · Filed under Book II: 42-72 ·Tagged ,

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.”  Ps 42:1

This was the scene looking out into my backyard after getting home from worship yesterday:

3 Deer
3 Deer

The whole earth is indeed filled with His glory! – Isaiah 6:3b

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Psalm 71 – Generational Responsive Reading (Selected Verses)

November 28, 2008 at 7:06 pm · Filed under Book II: 42-72, Multi-Part Reading ·Tagged ,

Psalm 71 – Generational Responsive Reading (Selected Verses)

 

According to our Liturgical calendar the “Psalm of the Day” for 12/14/2008 is Psalm 71.  Rather than read this Psalm responsively between the Pastor and the Congregation; try reading it according to age groups.  Our church is fairly small so we will use two age groups.  The readings lend themselves to this style and splitting the readings by age groups will give your youth and teens a more prominent voice in worship.

 

Leader:          In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me.  Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

 

Age Group (under 40 years): For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.  From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.  I will ever praise you.  I have become like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.  My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.

 

Age Group (over 40 years): Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.  Be not far from me, O God; come quickly, O my God, to help me.

 

Leader:          But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.  My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.  I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.

 

Age Group (under 40 years): Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

 

Age Group (over 40 years): Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.

 

Leader:          Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things.  Who, O God, is like you?

 

Age Group (over 40 years): Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.

 

 All:  My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I, whom you have redeemed.

 

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society

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Thanksgiving Reponsive Reading

November 22, 2008 at 12:22 pm · Filed under Book IV: 90-106, Book V: 107-150, Thanksgiving ·Tagged , ,

Thanksgiving Reponsive Reading (from WELS.net):

 

(Psalms 100 & 150)

 

M:  Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

C:  Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.

 

M:  Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

C:  Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.

 

M:  Know that the Lord is God.  It is he who made us and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

C:  Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet; praise him with the harp and lyre.

 

M:  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.

C:  Praise him with tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flute.

 

M:  Give thanks to him and praise his name.

C:  Praise him with the clash of symbols; praise him with resounding cymbals.

 

M:  For the Lord is good and his love endures forever.  His faithfulness continues through all generations.

C:  Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

 

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society

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