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