Tag Archives: worship

Psalm 48

Posted on May 2, 2015 by ehurst

The third in the praise trilogy, we have now the emphasis on Zion. We’ve seen God as Protector, as King, and now His earthly capital reflects His glory. Depending on the particular translation, there is reference to Mount Zaphon or … Continue reading →

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Psalm 48

Psalm 47

Posted on April 25, 2015 by ehurst

This second song in a trilogy has become the source for quite a number of hymns and praise songs in recent decades. The first half serves to justify the rest. In these first four verses, this psalm written by the … Continue reading →

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Psalm 47

Psalm 46

Posted on April 18, 2015 by ehurst

A psalm from the Korahites, Martin Luther said this was the basis for his famous “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” hymn, but there are also more recent songs from it. This and the next two seem to form a … Continue reading →

Posted in bible | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Psalm 46

Psalm 42

Posted on March 21, 2015 by ehurst

Here we begin Book 2 in the Psalms. The theme of this series, ending with Psalm 72, seems contentious among Western scholars. A common remark raises the issue that Book 1 used God’s personal name Yahweh more often, while Book … Continue reading →

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Psalm 42

Admin: Parish Rituals

Posted on March 13, 2015 by ehurst

An offline question led to the realization I’ve never actually discussed rituals for our parish. There is a sense in which we can’t do them. One, we don’t have anyone officially designated as our priestly pastor, someone to handle the … Continue reading →

Posted in administration | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Admin: Parish Rituals

Psalm 40

Posted on March 7, 2015 by ehurst

Most of this is a rather didactic psalm. About the only reason we might suggest for finding Psalm 70 tacked on the end (verses 13-17 here) is that it serves as an example of the kind of prayer God answered … Continue reading →

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Psalm 40

Babylon Again

Posted on February 23, 2015 by ehurst

The lesson was burned into my soul long before I was conscious of it: no two alike. Commonalities there must be, or communication and fellowship are utterly impossible. Those things are required, so they must be possible on some level, … Continue reading →

Posted in eldercraft | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Psalm 33

Posted on January 17, 2015 by ehurst

The glory and greatness of Our Creator is self-manifest. He needs no praise and honor. Worshiping God is simply in our own best interest. His glory is, but He allows us to enter into that glory as the place where … Continue reading →

Posted in bible | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Psalm 33

Psalm 25

Posted on November 22, 2014 by ehurst

In the Hebrew intellectual traditions, what can appear free association to mere intellect is a structure in itself perceived only in the heart. This song is a Hebrew acrostic, though imperfect, perhaps because of subsequent editing. Regardless, the burden is … Continue reading →

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Psalm 25

A Few Minutes of Worship

Posted on November 15, 2014 by ehurst

I have crappy days, too. Would it surprise you? Much of my ranting about the Germanic mythology and the sour mood in things like Beowulf arises from having inherited a major dose of that sourness. That is, I live with … Continue reading →

Posted in personal | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment