Paraphrase: Psalm 37

Here’s a responsive re-working of Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 (the suggested Psalm for Epiphany 7, Year C). It was written by Jeff Shrowder (2000), and posted on The Billabong.

Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40

Don’t get worked up about evil people:
don’t envy those who do wrong:
like the grass they’ll wither quickly,
as young pasture is burnt by the sun.
Trust in the LORD and do good:
live in the land and feed on its riches,
delight in the LORD
who will satisfy your heart’s deepest desires.
Commit your way to the LORD:
trust in God and God will act,
making your integrity shine like the dawn
and your justice like the midday sun.
Be still for the LORD:
wait in hope for the LORD;
don’t get worked up about these folk who get their way,
or those who succeed in their scheming.
Give up anger and rage:
don’t get worked up; it only brings grief.
These schemers will be cut down to size,
while those who hope in the LORD shall inherit the land.
Soon the wicked shall be no more;
if you go to their home they will not be there.
Indeed the meek shall inherit the land,
and delight in untold peace.

The victory of the just comes from the LORD,
their stronghold in difficult times
The LORD will save them and rescue them;
rescue them from the wicked and deliver them,
because they sought refuge in the LORD.

~ copyright © Jeff Shrowder 2000. Posted on The Billabong. http://thebillabong.info/  For use in worship, with acknowledgement.

Praise Litany: Psalm 146

Come! Sing praise to God!

We will praise God as long as we live!

Blessed are those

who have the God of Israel as their helper,

whose hope is in the Most High – 

Creator of heaven and earth,

the sea, and all that is in them.

Come! Sing praise to God!

We will praise God as long as we live!

God keeps every promise forever.

God gives justice to the oppressed,

and food to those who hunger.

Come! Sing praise to God!

We will praise God as long as we live!

God frees the prisoners,

opens the eyes of the blind,

and lifts the burdens of those bowed down.

God watches over the refugee,

and upholds the orphan and widow.

Come! Sing praise to God!

We will praise God as long as we live!

Our God loves those who do right,

but deliberately thwarts those who do evil.

Come! Sing praise to God!

We will praise God as long as we live!

A Psalm of Praise: Psalm 112

Here is a beautiful paraphrase of Psalm 112. It was written by Nan C. Merrill, in Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness.

Prayer of Praise

A Paraphrase of Psalm 112

Praises be to You, O Gracious One!

Blessed are those who reverence the Holy One,

who greatly delight in the Word!

For they dwell with Love,

and their children will learn of peace and justice.

Abundance and wholeness will be their heritage,

and truth will be their banner.

Light penetrates the darkness for those who face their fears;

Love stands by them with mercy and forgiveness.

It goes well for those who are loving and kind,

who live their days with justice and integrity.

They become co-creators with the Divine One;

they bless the world with their presence.

In times of trouble, they know not fear;

their hearts are firm,

trusting in your Loving Companion Presence.

Yes, their hearts are steady, they are not afraid,

even their enemies are blessed by their love.

They are generous and give freely;

the needy are offered shelter and food;

justice and mercy make their home there;

and their righteousness endures forever.

The unloving are witness to this;

who knows when the seed will find a fertile heart?

The fruits of those who know Love are blessing to all!

~ written by Nan C. Merrill, in Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness.  https://www.amazon.com/Psalms-Praying-Invitation-Nan-Merrill/dp/0826410456

Psalm 23 Prayer: Urban Shepherd

Here’s a contemporary re-working of Psalm 23 from Mike Riddell. It was posted on Jonny Baker’s Worship Tricks blog.

Prayer: Urban Shepherd

(based on Psalm 23)

urban shepherd
you lead us through skyscraper canyons
past carbon monoxide
and mirror glass
and busker
you make us to lie down on park benches
and rest beside sewage settlement ponds
you keep our feet on pavement and escalator and lift shaft
and guide us through the back alleys
of our city

though we enter the concrete crevasse
we will not fear the chaos
for you are with us
you grant us a site in the sun
at a sidewalk cafe
where we drink cappuccino and are glad
you give us doughnut stalls
and film festivals and neon signs

surely your goodness and poverty
will follow us all the days of our lives
and we will come at last to the holy city

~ written by Mike Riddell, and posted on Jonny Baker Worship Tricks. http://jonnybaker.blogs.com/jonnybaker/2004/10/fractals_.html

Psalm 23 Prayer

Here’s a beautiful setting of Psalm 23 by Sonya Dyer.  It was posted on the Seekers Church website.

 

Prayer

(inspired by Psalm 23)

 

Holy God,
you are our shepherd,
we shall want for nothing that truly matters.

In green pastures you give us rest
and beside deep, still waters you lead us.
You promise to be with us always,
offering freedom from the frictions of hatred, anxiety, fear and pain.

You give us living water to satisfy our thirst for peace.

We praise you and wonder
if this is for all people.

You refresh and restore our souls
and guide us in right paths
for the sake of your name.

When we are cast down
we have been shown ways to bring a new creation
to life in our world.
Your unique plan for all of life and for each life
is written into our very essence.
May we believe it is a plan
filled with hope,
grown out of love.

Help our unbelief.

Even though we walk in the dark valley,
we will fear no danger
for you, God, are at our side,
with rod and staff to give us courage.
Each life, every nation, has its share of valleys.
Some seem to have more than is right.
You are a constant companion in the darkness.
When violence, pain and loss are heavy
you comfort.
When we are aching, lost and discouraged,
you seek us out.
When we go astray,
your compassionate judgment draws us back.

Receive our gratitude. Know our darkness.

You spread the table before us in the sight of our enemies
and richly bathe our heads with oil.
Our cups overflow.
O holy one,  
you are our host as well as our shepherd.
You invite us to the banquet,
the banquet of life.
All parts of the world are invited -
enemies and friends,
the alienated and powerful,
those close at hand and those far off.
You offer the abundance and lavishness
of bread broken and shared
and the cup of refreshment that leads to new life.

We praise and thank you for your abundant spirit.

Goodness and love unfailing,
these will follow us all the days of our lives,
and we shall dwell in the home of our God
for all eternity.

~ from Sonya Dyer’s Prayerbook, posted on the Seekers Church website. http://www.seekerschurch.org/

Psalm 23: The Soul Shepherding Psalm

Here’s a paraphrase of Psalm 23 from Bill and Kristi Gaultiere.

The Soul Shepherding Psalm:

Psalm 23

The Lord Jesus is my Soul Shepherd

who meets all my needs and makes me smile

He gets me to stop working and to relax

with him in his Father’s loving arms

He takes me into a quiet place

to be still and know that he is God and I am loved

He heals and rejuvenates my whole being

with his grace from the inside out

He holds my hand at the crossroads

and walks me onto the path of life

Even though I go through dark and difficult times

I don’t fear anything bad because you are with me

You discipline me in love and converse patiently with me

to bring out the best in me

You prepare a celebration to bless and honor me

right in front of my enemies

You anoint me with your Spirit to minister to others

out of the overflow of your love to me

I can count on your generous favor and tender mercy

coming to me wherever I go

I will live in the presence of Christ as his beloved

in all things and at all times

~ written by Bill Gaultiere and Kristi Gaultiere.  Posted on Soul Shepherding. http://www.soulshepherding.org

Psalm 116 in Paraphrase

Here’s a re-working of Psalm 116: 1-8, 12-14, 17-18 from Calvin Seerfeld.  It was published in "Voicing God's Psalms."

Psalm Paraphrase:

Psalm 116

I love the Lord because God hears me when I cry and pray,
Yes, God bent God’s ear down to me,
and I’ll talk about it the rest of my life!

I was caught in a dead end.
The cramp of the grave had a hold on me;
pain and trouble kept hurting.
So I called out loud on the name of the Lord:
Lord God, please! Get me out—save my life!

Full of mercy is the Lord God, just—yes—
but our God spills compassion over!

The Lord God takes loving care of those open to temptation—
when I was cut down to size, God took care of me—
so calm down, fellow; the Lord has given you what was good!

That’s so.
You got me out of the dead end.
You have stopped my eyes from filling with tears!
You have kept me from walking into ruin—Yes!

What shall I give the Lord God?
So many lovely surprises God has given me.
I know, I shall toast the Lord with the cup of victory—
Cheers for the Lord God!
I will do what I vowed the Lord God I would too,
and I’ll do it right among God’s people.

Yes, I will really offer thanksgiving to you:
Cheers for the Lord God!
I mean it, I will do what I vowed to God,
and I’ll do it among the faithful,
near the house of the Lord God,
right in the middle of Jerusalem—
Glory, Hallelujah!

~ Calvin Seerveld, Voicing God’s Psalms. Available from Eerdmanns Publishing.

Psalm 23: Soul Shepherding Psalm

Here’s a reworking of Psalm 23 by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere.

Psalm 23

The Lord Jesus is my Soul Shepherd
who meets all my needs and makes me smile.
He gets me to stop working and to relax
with him in his Father’s loving arms;
He takes me into a quiet place
to be still and know that he is God and I am loved;
He heals and rejuvenates my whole being
with his grace from the inside out.
He holds my hand at the crossroads
and walks me onto the path of life.

Even though I go through dark and difficult times
I don’t fear anything bad because you are with me.
You discipline me in love and converse patiently with me
to bring out the best in me;
You prepare a celebration to bless and honor me
right in front of my enemies.

You anoint me with your Spirit to minister to others
out of the overflow of your love to me.
I can count on your generous favor and tender mercy
coming to me wherever I go.

I will live in the presence of Christ as his beloved
in all things and at all times!

~ written by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere, inspired by Psalm 23.  Posted on Soul Shepherding. http://www.soulshepherding.org/

Psalm 46: A Contemporary Setting

Here’s a fresh re-take on Psalm 46.  It was written by Carol Penner

God Confronts War:

A Contemporary Setting of Psalm 46

God the Almighty longs for peace;                      

God confronts the desolation of war.

God cradles the broken bodies

and feels the agony of violence.

Jesus kneels with the grieving

and collects their wild tears.

The Holy Spirit broods over the bent world

counting the cost of carnage.

The Lord of hosts is with us,

the God of Jacob is our refuge

as we long for peace.

God is our refuge and strength

a very present help in times of trouble.

Come behold the works of the Lord,

see what desolations God has brought on the earth.

From Canada to Cambodia,

from Israel to Indonesia,

from Afghanistan to the Americas,

God makes wars cease to the end of the earth.

God breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,

God burns the shields with fire.

God breaks the M16 assault rifles,

and shatters the laser guided bombs,

God burns the CF18 fighter jets with fire.

God breaks the AK47s,

and shatters the cluster bombs,

God burns the military intelligence satellites with fire.

God breaks the sniper rifle,

and shatters the grenade,

God burns the military torture centres with fire.

God breaks the atomic bombs

and shatters the missile silos,

God burns the nuclear submarines with fire.

Be still and know that I am God!

I am exalted among the nations,

I am exalted in the earth.

The Lord of hosts is with us,

the God of Jacob is our refuge.

~ written by Carol Penner, on Leading in Worship. http://carolpenner.typepad.com/leadinginworship/ 

Psalm Paraphrase: Psalm 50: 1-8

Here’s a paraphrase of Psalm 50: 1-8, written by Bruce Prewer.

Psalm Paraphrase

(Psalm 50: 1-8)

The Voice which speaks and confronts the whole world

is that of the Holy One, the God of gods.

From the time the sun rises until after it sets,

the dazzling beauty of God shines out.

When God comes, it is not always in silence;

it may be like a consuming fire or fierce storm.

God’s call is heard among the distant stars,

and on earth we are summoned to give account.

God gathers together the true believers,

those who keep faith at much cost.

The whole universe shall announce justice,

for God who has the final word says:

“I will speak against you, my people.

I your God will be a prosecution witness.

It is not what you do at church that’s wrong,

your worship is a good attempt.

It is what you do outside that upsets me,

how you exploit the land and its creatures.

For every animal in the bush is mine,

and the cattle on a thousand hills.

I know every bird in the mountains

and everything that moves on the plains.

Get this, you who would limit me to pious thoughts:

I could put you through the shredder!

Let all you do each day be a thanksgiving;

get things right and you will see my salvation!”

~ Copyright ©  B.D. Prewer 2000 & 2012. Posted on Bruce Prewer’s Home Page. http://www.bruceprewer.com/

Psalm 91 Paraphrase

Here’s a beautiful paraphrase of Psalm 91 from Leslie Brandt.

 

Psalm 91

 

The one whose faith is focused on God,

      who finds his security in Him,

   does not have to live in fear.

He is not left untouched

     by the tempests of this life,

   and he may be wounded

      by the onslaughts of evil,

But his great God does not leave him

      to suffer these things alone.

The Lord cares for His own and delivers him

   even in the midst of the conflicts

      that plague him.

 

If God is truly your God,

   you do not have to be afraid

      of the enemy that threatens

         or the affliction that lays you low.

Men all about you may fall,

      never to rise again,

   but the Lord is by your side

      to raise you to your feet

      and to lead you to ultimate victory.

 

Even the ministering spirits of His invisible world

   are watching over you.

They will not allow anything to hurt you

   except by God’s loving permission

   and through His eternal concern.

 

Our loving God has promised it:

“Because My child loves Me,

      I will never let him go.

I shall feel the pain of his wounds

      and bear his hurt

   and shall transform that which is ugly

      into that which enriches and blesses.

And when he cries out in agony,

   I shall hear and answer him.

I will be close to him and will deliver him,

   and I will grant him eternal life.”

 

~ written by Leslie F. Brandt, in Psalms Now. http://www.amazon.com/Psalms-Now-Leslie-F-Brandt/dp/0758606486

Love: A Paraphrase

Here’s a contemporary paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.  It was written by J. Mark Jordan.

 

Love: A Paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13

 

Although I may be a gifted speaker and can pray in tongues anytime, anywhere, and yet I don’t love others, I am only making noise without substance. And though I seem to have an answer for everything and people come to me for my opinions, and I am a dynamo of spiritual power with many spiritual victories, and yet I have no love, I am a zero. And though my generosity is well known, and I have sacrificed all for God with wounds and scars to prove it, yet I have no love, God hasn’t profited from me at all.

 

So, how can you tell whether or not you have real love? See for yourself how love behaves by the following list:

 

Love smiles through the pain of being hurt, criticized, misunderstood and ignored without constantly complaining. Love never confronts anyone unless it is with a kind, well-considered word without blasting them out of the room. Love doesn’t judge or want what others have—-clothes, car, job, wife, husband, money, personality or even spiritual gifts. It doesn’t go around talking about God being unfair or people being uncaring when the real problem is envy and jealousy. It shuns the limelight and recognition. It doesn’t have “I” problems.

 

Love declines to make a scene about everything and won’t make mountains out of molehills. It will not choose inappropriate and disruptive ways to make a point. It doesn’t have to be right all the time and it is slow to get stirred up about every tale spread through the ever-active grapevine. Love doesn’t wear its feelings on its sleeves, and it doesn’t assume that others are thinking, doing and intending the worst. It gives people the benefit of the doubt.

 

Love suffers when someone fails or when tragedy strikes. It takes no pleasure in sin or wrongdoing of any kind. It is most interested in the truth winning out, even when the truth hurts. Love lends its shoulder to bear the burdens of others and never breaks their confidence. It believes the best in people and tries hard to trust them. Even when love feels someone is wrong, lying, or making a huge mistake, it still hopes for the best possible outcome. And when love is disappointed and crushed by bearing, believing and hoping, it endures the hurt and embarrassment with cheer and restraint, always continuing to be itself—-love.

 

Three great forces motivate the church: faith, hope and love. These powerful attributes are the basis for everything the church is doing in the world today. But even when you narrow it all down to these three, at the top of the list you’ll find love.”

 

~ written by J. Mark Jordan  and posted on Thinking in Color. http://jonathanjordan.squarespace.com/

Paraphrase: Psalm 127

Here’s a paraphrase of Psalm 127 written by Nan C. Merrill.

Psalm 127: A Paraphrase

Unless You, O Divine Creator, build the house,

those who build it labor in vain.

Unless You watch over the city,

the watchers stay awake in vain.

For it is in co-operating with You from morn to evening,

eating the bread of your Word,

that we rest in peace throughout the night.

Reverence the sacred gift of life that nourishes all.

Who will grow in wisdom,

abandoning themselves into the chalice of Love?

Who will open themselves to the imprint of Love’s gifts upon their heart?

Unless You, O Divine Spirit, make your home within us,

we wander through life in vain.

~ Psalm 127, written by Nan C. Merrill, in Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness. 

Responsive Psalm: Psalm 22

Here’s a 21^st century exploration of Psalm 22 from Francis Macnab.

Responsive Psalm

(Psalm 22)

God, we read that people in the past

believed in you; and you apparently gave them

the strength they sought.

So why are you so distant from me?

There have been times when I have reached out to you,

but you looked the other way!

My disillusionment comes under criticism from so many people.

And those I thought were my friends, fail to support me.

Truth is, in my heart of hearts,

I know that you gave me life at the beginning,

and I felt you cared for me.

But now I need you to be closer to me,

because nothing makes much sense anymore, 

and there are so many huge problems gathered around me.

In all this tale of misery,

I am talking to you because you know

my feelings and failings.

And you will save me—even from my own negative thoughts.

I continue to believe in your Presence

which is more powerful

than I can really understand.

You have planted within us the awareness

of a love which is eternal, yet very important and personal.

I continue to believe that people are valued by you,

even when they fall away from you.

You let that happen: but you go on feeling the pain

and you are ready to support them 

in their difficulties.

You are the Eternal God of us all:

and I dedicate myself anew to you.

Regardless of my feelings of insignificance and inadequacy,

I am in awe as I try to find a way to worship you.

One thing I can do.

I can be a carrier of your love

to people all around me.

~ written by Francis Macnab, in A Fine Wind Blowing.  Posted on the Rex AE Hunt website. http://www.rexaehuntprogressive.com/

Psalm 1: An Alternate Psalm

Here’s an alternative reading of Psalm 1. It was written by David Rosenberg.

Psalm 1: A Paraphrase

Happy the one
stepping lightly over
the hearts of men

and out of the way
of mind-locked reality
the masks of sincerity

he steps from his place at the glib café
to find himself in the word
of the infinite

embracing it
in his mind
with his heart

parting his lips for it
lightly
day into night

transported like a tree
to a riverbank
sweet with fruit in time

his heart unselfish
whatever he does
ripens

while bitter men turn dry
blowing in the wind like yesterday’s paper

unable to stand in the gathering
light

they fall
faded masks
in love’s spotlight

burning hearts of paper
unhappily
locked in their own glare

but my Lord opens
his loving one
to breathe embracing air

— written by David Rosenberg, A Poet’s Bible. Posted on The Praying Life blog. http://theprayinglife.com/

Scripture Litany: Psalm 33: 12-22

Here’s a paraphrase of Psalm 33: 12-22, the suggested Psalm text for Proper 14 C (Ordinary 19 C). It would be a beautiful prayer litany for days of national celebration, like Independence Day (July 4) or Canada Day (July 1).  The paraphrase was done by Nathan Nettleton.

Psalm Paraphrase:  Psalm 33: 12-22

What more could a country want than to have you as their God?
To be your cherished people, LORD, is the best thing in life.

You keep your eye on the whole earth;
you see each and every one of us.

Though you are seated in power, LORD,
you concern yourself with all who live on earth.
You shaped us, inside and out,
and you watch everything we do with interest.

No army can guarantee our safety;
the toughest fighter is not invincible.

Pinning our hopes on military might is futile;
brute force cannot make life worth living.

It is you, LORD, who watches over all who respect you;
you, whose love and loyalty give us confidence.
You are our only hope when death closes in;
our only security when times are tough.

We put our trust in you, LORD;
you alone can help and protect us.

Because of you, our hearts are bursting with joy;
your name stands out and fills us with confidence.

Surround us with your love, LORD.
We’ve pinned all our hopes on you
and on your rock-solid love.

~ Copyright © 2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net

For more resources suitable for national celebrations, click on National Prayers in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.

Psalm 150: Contagious Praise

Here’s a reflection on Psalm 150.  It was written by Chris Altrock.

Psalm 150

Praise is contagious.

Like an epidemic, its location spreads –

            from earth to heaven.

Like a pandemic, its motive spreads – 

            from what the LORD has done to who the LORD is.

There’s not an instrument that remains unaffected –

            trumpet, harp, and cymbals are swept up in praise.

There’s not a human or creature who remains immune –

            everything that breathes catches the bug to sing “Hallelujah!”

May no cure ever be found for the contagion that is worship.

— written by Chris Altrock, on True North.  Visit his site for other prayers based on the psalms.

Psalm 50 Remix

Here’s a different take on Psalm 50.  It comes from Grace church in England.

Psalm 50 remix

Grace listen...
I have no complaint about your sacrifices -
you certainly put the creative effort in to your worship.
But I do not need your art installations, stations,

movie loops, ambient tunes, apple macs, ipods
gas masks, photography, font selection, stories,

good taste, creative liturgies and new technologies.
All the silicon in the valley is mine
I know all the art in the whole world
The creation is my gallery
I made imagination!
Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God
out of friendship and not obligation
That's what it's about...

— from the Grace website worship archive.  

For more worship resources for February 19, 2012 (Transfiguration Sunday), click on Transfiguration Sunday in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.

Psalm 30: Prayer of Praise

Here’s a prayer of praise and thanksgiving based on Psalm 30.  It was written by Jeff Shrowder, a retired minister in the Uniting Church in Australia.

Prayer of Praise & Thanksgiving

(based on Psalm 30)

O LORD, a fractured relationship with you is like a death;
yet your one desire is life – community with you.
With darkness weeping remains,
but joy comes with the hint of morning light.
We’ve come to take so much for granted in our lives:
“I’m OK – steady as a rock.
In fact, LORD, you’ve been so good to me
I’m more secure than a strong mountain.”
Then it seemed that you hid your face from me,
and I was terrified.
I cried out to you, LORD, when things were really grim;
I pleaded with you to restore my good circumstance:
“What profit is there in my weeping, in my going down in the pit?
Will the dust praise you? Will it declare your faithfulness?
Hear me, LORD, and be merciful.
O LORD, be my help.”
You transformed my mourning into dance,
and gave me new life;
you have taken my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy,
so that my life will praise you, and not weep.
O LORD, my God, I will praise you – for ever.

— written by Jeff Shrowder, and posted in his excellent website, The Billabong.