Roddy
Hamilton has written given Psalm 19 a thoughtful treatment. He suggests:
“You need to read this real slow and have an instrumental version of Fields of Gold playing in the background.
It is indeed a thing of beauty. Voice A is reading the Psalm and Voice B is
interpreting it. Take your time with this one. Enjoy the beauty of the psalmist’s
poetry and make space for wonder. Don't let it pass. It’s too valuable.”
Responsive Reading of Psalm 19
The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims God's handiwork.
Look to the mountains and see everlastingness…
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
Search both day and night and watch for the glory of it…
There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
Listen to the silence and hear wonder speak…
yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
Look to the horizon to hear a word about eternity…
In the heavens God has set a tent for the sun,
which comes out like a beloved from a wedding canopy,
and like a strong athlete runs its course with joy.
Look to the sunrise and enjoy God’s forever-promise…
Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them;
and nothing is hid from its heat.
Look to the seasons and live God’s rhythm…
The law of God is perfect, reviving the soul;
the decrees of God are sure, making wise the simple;
Look to creation’s order and accept its wisdom…
the precepts of God are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of God is clear,
enlightening the eyes;
Look to justice and truth and feel their light…
the fear of God is pure, enduring forever;
the ordinances of God are true
and righteous altogether.
Look to the word and recognise its call…
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Look to God’s commandments and taste their sweetness…
Moreover by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
Look to creation’s order and know justice…
But who can detect their errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.
Look to grace and know its forgiveness…
Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
do not let them have dominion over me.
Look to what brings life and live its example…
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
Look to God’s covenant and know its love…
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you, O God, my rock and my redeemer.
The heavens are telling the glory of God.
~ written by Roddy Hamilton, and posted on Mucky Paws. http://www.nkchurch.org.uk/index.php/mucky-paws