A very special thank you for Pastors – you guys are awesome, for Pastor’s wifes who willingly share and support their husband’s ministry, for their children who put up with peer abuse just for being a Pastor’s kid, for church secretary’s, for Lay leaders and for all musicians and choirs who put in endless hours of preparations for our worship during the Christmas season. A very blessed Christmas to all!

Psalm 111 and 112 are the same length and seem to thematically fit well together. Here’s a responsive reading with the two Psalms twisted together.

P: Praise the Lord. Ps 111:1
C: Praise the Lord. Ps 112:1

P: I will extol the Lord with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. Ps 111:2
C: Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. Ps 112:2

P: Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Ps 111:3
C: His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Ps 112:3

P: Glorious and majestic are his deeds; and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. Ps 111:4
C: Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Ps 112:4

P: He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. Ps 111:5
C: Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. Ps 112:5

P: He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations. Ps 111:6
C: Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Ps 112:6

P: The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. Ps 111:7
C: Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. Ps 112:7

P: They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness. Ps 111:8
C: He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. Ps 112:8

P: He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever—holy and awesome is his name. Ps 111:9
C: He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever ;his horn will be lifted high in honor. Ps 112:9

P: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. Ps 111:10
C: The wicked man will see and be vexed, he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing. Ps 112:10

Certain songs were meant to knit together with certain Psalms.  “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” by John Ylvisaker (BOB#116) and Psalm 139 are two such pieces.  Here is a responsive reading that uses both pieces:

P:         O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
C:        You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

P          You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
C:        Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.

Congregation Sings: Verse 1

P:         You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
C:        Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

P:         Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
C:        If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

Congregation Sings: Verse 2

P:         If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
C:        even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

P:         If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
C:        For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Congregation Sings: Verse 3

P:         I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
C:        My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.  

P:         When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.
C:        All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 

Congregation Sings: Verse 4

Related articles

• The Psalm of the Day (sjbrown58.wordpress.com)

Praise Bands, Praise Teams, Praise Charts, Praise Ensembles, etc. – What’s the big deal with praise?

It’s mentioned a whopping 351 times in scripture (292 times in the OT and 59 in the NT).  In essence, it’s this: praise is one of those activities that we can do right now, here on earth, and it continues forever into eternity in heaven.  If you think about it, this is not the case for many other church and worship related activities; like preaching, teaching, praying, evangelism, etc.  These other items are important to us now, but perhaps not so much in heaven.  So praise is important to us, and not only to those practicing contemporary music with a praise band, it’s important for all of us.

Psalm 148 – My favorite “Praise Psalm”

Praise the LORD.  Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above.
Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.
He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.
Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and maidens, old men and children.
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
He has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his saints, of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the LORD.

Wow!

One contemporary song that brings out this theme nicely is “O Praise Him” by David Crowder.  Our band will be playing this during the offering on 2/14/2010 since Ps 148 is the Psalm of the day for that Sunday.  You can hear it here:

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

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

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.

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

Praise the LORD.
Praise Him in your church;
praise Him throughout all the earth.
Praise Him for His power;
praise Him for His indescribable greatness.
Praise Him with the sounding of the keyboards,
praise Him with the guitar and bass,
praise Him with drums and cymbals,
praise Him with piano, the organ and MIDI,
praise Him with the clash of the high hat,
praise Him with everything that is in you.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.

- Inspired by Psalm 150:1-6

Perhaps this might be a good teen activity – have them rewrite a Psalm using their own words.

(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

Psalm 136 / Nicene Creed / “Forever”

 Pastor:          Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.

Congregation: His love endures forever.

Pastor:           Give thanks to the God of gods.

Congregation: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,    

Pastor:           Give thanks to the Lord of lords:

Congregation: maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 

Musical Interlude :”Forever” Verse 1 (by Chris Tomlin)  CHOIR ONLY

Give thanks to the Lord, Our God and King.

His love endures forever.  For He is good, He is above all things.

His love endures forever.  Sing praise, sing praise.

Chorus:  Forever God is faithful,  Forever God is strong.

Forever God is with us.  Forever , forever.

Pastor:            to him who alone does great wonders,

Congregation: His love endures forever.

Pastor:           who by his understanding made the heavens,

Congregation:  We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God

Pastor:           who spread out the earth upon the waters,

Congregation: eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light,

Pastor:           who made the great lights—

Congregation:     true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.   

Pastor:           the sun to govern the day,

Congregation:  Through him all things were made.

Pastor:           the moon and stars to govern the night;

Congregation: For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven:

 Pastor:          to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt

Congregation: was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human.

 Pastor:          and brought Israel out from among them

Congregation: For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

Pastor:           with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;

Congregation.: He suffered death and was buried.      

Pastor:           to him who divided the Red Sea asunder

Congregation: On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;

 Pastor:          and brought Israel through the midst of it,

Congregation: He ascended into heaven

Pastor:           but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;

Congregation: and is seated at the right hand of the Father.       

Pastor:           to him who led his people through the desert,

Congregation: His love endures forever.    

Musical Interlude :”Forever” Verse 2 (SUNG BY ALL)

Verse 2:

With a mighty hand; and an outstretched arm.

His love endures forever. 

For the life that’s been reborn; His love endures forever.

Sing praise, sing praise.  Sing praise, sing praise.

Chorus:

Forever God is faithful; Forever God is strong.

Forever God is with us;  Forever , forever.

Pastor:           who struck down great kings,

Congregation: He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

Pastor:           and killed mighty kings—

Congregation: and his kingdom will have no end. 

 Pastor:          Sihon king of the Amorites

Congregation: We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

 Pastor:          and Og king of Bashan—

Congregation: who proceeds from the Father and the Son.

Pastor:           and gave their land as an inheritance,

Congregation: With the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.

 Pastor:          an inheritance to his servant Israel;

Congregation: who has spoken through the Prophets.

 Pastor:          to the One who remembered us in our low estate

Congregation: We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church

 Pastor:          and freed us from our enemies,

Congregation: We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

 Pastor:          and who gives food to every creature.

Congregation: We look for the resurrection of the dead,

Pastor:           Give thanks to the God of heaven.

Congregation:  and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Musical Ending :”Forever” Verse 3  (SUNG BY ALL)

Verse 3:

From the rising to the setting sun; His love endures forever.

And by the grace of God; We will carry on.

His love endures forever.  Sing praise sing praise.

Sing praise, sing praise.

Chorus:

Forever God is faithful.  Forever God is strong.

Forever God is with us.  Forever , forever.

 Notes:

1.  All scripture is  NIV (Zondervan Publishing)

2.  “Forever” by Chris Tomlin, CCLI Song No. 3148428, © 2001 worshiptogether.com songsSix Steps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)(Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

3. The idea to integrate these texts came from: “With One Voice” by Reggie Kidd, Baker Books, page 39.

Here’s a responsive Psalm reading that also includes an integrated song:

Pastor:         Psalm 133 was sung by the Israelites as they went up to the temple in Jerusalem for religious festivals.  These pilgrimages were the highlight of the year for the Jewish people, since they were able to gather on Mt. Zion, the place where God had chosen to dwell among His people.

Psalm 133 celebrates the coming together of the Israelites in unity.  As people journeyed to Jerusalem from far away places, they sensed a common bond in their commitment to the Lord.  This union delighted the people, who experienced it as “good and pleasant.”

Congregation: How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!  (Ps 133:1)

Congregation Sings: We are one in the Spirit,

we are one in the Lord,

We are one in the Spirit

we are one in the Lord,

And we pray that all unity

may one day be restored:

And they’ll know we are Christians

By our love, by our love,

Yes, they’ll know we are Christians

By our love.

Pastor:         The goodness is accentuated through the use of two-word pictures.  First, the unity of God’s people is:

Congregation: It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down the collar of his robes. (Ps 133:2)

Pastor:         The Psalmist envisions the anointing of Aaron, the first high priest of the Temple, focusing on the special oil that was saturated with aromatic spices.  This oil was not applied sparingly, but generously, covering Aaron and spreading its pungent fragrance everywhere.  It signified the outpouring of forgiveness upon his people.

Congregation Sings: We will walk with each other

we will walk hand in hand

we will walk with each other

we will walk hand in hand

and together we’ll spread the news

that God is in our land:

And they’ll know we are Christians

By our love, by our love,

Yes, they’ll know we are Christians

By our love.

Pastor:         The second-word picture that illustrates the pleasantness of unity says that:

Congregation: “It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.”  (Ps 133:3a)

Pastor:         Mt. Hermon, which towers above the Northern part of the Holy land, received ample precipitation that filled streams and produced lush vegetation.  As the pilgrims journeyed to Jerusalem, especially in the summer months, they would not be likely to enjoy actual rain.  But their unity as they gathered at Mt. Zion would be like the refreshment of the showers God poured out upon Mt. Hermon.

Both images in Psalm 133 involve liquid being poured out liberally, upon either the head of Aaron or the heights of Mt. Hermon.  When God’s people come together in unity to worship the Lord:

Congregation:  For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life evermore.  (Ps 133:3b)

Congregation Sings: We will work with each other

we will work side by side

We will work with each other

We will work side by side

We’ll respect people’s dignity

And in love abide.

And they’ll know we are Christians

By our love, by our love

Yes, they’ll know we are Christians

By our love.

Pastor:         Psalm 133 calls us all to unity in worship, promising rich blessings from God.  The New Testament frequently echoes this summons as well.  Jesus prays that his followers “may be one”, even as He is one with His father:

Congregation:  “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.  May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.   (John 17:20, 21)

Pastor:         The Apostle Paul urges us to:

Congregation: Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  (Eph 4:3)

Congregation Sings: All Praise to the Father

from whom all things come,

And all praise to Christ Jesus

His only Son,

and all praise to the Spirit

who makes us one:

And they’ll know we are Christians

By our love, by our love

Yes, They’ll know we are Christians

By our love.

Pastor:         Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD.   (Ps134:1)

Congregation: (the Congregation may lift their arms in praise if desired while reading)

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD.  (Ps134:2)

Pastor:         (with your arms lifted as in the Benediction)

May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.  (Ps 134:3)

Sources:

1. Pastor’s readings adapted from “Lyrical Poetry”, By Dr. Mark Roberts, “Worship Leader Magazine”, July 2008.
2. All scripture text is NIV (Zondervan Publishing)
3. “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love”, by Peter Scholtes, © 1996 F.E.L. Publications, Lorenz Publishing CO., CCLI #26997 for Church License No. 2600615

Based on Palms 107:23 – 32

Background Information:

John Newton, the writer of the hymn “Amazing Grace”, had received some early religious instruction from his mother, who had died when he was a child, but he had long since given up any religious convictions.  However, on a homeward voyage, while he was attempting to steer the ship through a violent storm, he experienced what he was to refer to later as his “great deliverance.”  He recorded in his journal that when all seemed lost and the ship would surely sink, he exclaimed, “Lord, have mercy upon us.” Later in his cabin he reflected on what he had said and began to believe that God had addressed him through the storm and that grace had begun to work for him.

Pastor:              Others went out on the sea in ships;
Congr:              they were merchants on the mighty waters.

Pastor:              They saw the works of the LORD,
Congr:              his wonderful deeds in the deep.

Pastor:              For he spoke and stirred up a tempest
Congr:              that lifted high the waves.

Words of John Newton:

I went to bed that night in my usual security and indifference: but was awaked from a sound sleep by the force of a violent sea, which broke on board us.  So much of it came down below as filled the cabin I lay in with water.  This alarm was followed by a cry from the deck, that the ship was going down, or sinking.  The sea had torn away the upper timbers on one side, and made the ship a mere wreck in a few minutes.

 Pastor:              They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
Congr:              in their peril their courage melted away.

Pastor:              They reeled and staggered like drunken men;
Congr:              they were at their wits’ end.

Words of John Newton:

I was obliged to return to the pump, and there I continued till noon, almost every passing wave breaking over my head; but we made ourselves fast with ropes, that we might not be washed away.  Indeed I expected that every time the vessel descended in the sea, she would rise no more.  About nine o’clock, being almost spent with cold and labour, I went to speak with the captain.

 Pastor:              Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
Congr:              and he brought them out of their distress.

Pastor:              He stilled the storm to a whisper;
Congr:              the waves of the sea were hushed.

Words of John Newton:

Just as I was returning from him, I said, almost without any meaning, “If this will not do, the Lord have mercy on us!”  I was instantly struck with my own words, and as Jehu said once, What hast thou to do with peace, so it directly occurred, What mercy can there be for me?   I concluded at first; that my sins were too great to be forgiven.  

When I saw beyond all probability, there was still hope of respite, and heard about six in the evening that the ship was freed from water, there arose a gleam of hope; I thought I saw the hand of God displayed in our favour: I began to pray.  I could not utter the prayer of faith: I could not draw near to a reconciled God, and call him Father.  My prayer was like the cry of the ravens, which yet the Lord does not disdain to hear.  I now began to think of that Jesus whom I had so often derided: I recollected the particulars of his life, and of his death:- a death for sins not his own, but, as I remembered, for the sake of those who in their distress should put their trust in Him. 

Pastor:              They were glad when it grew calm,
Congr:              and he guided them to their desired haven.

Pastor:              Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
Congr:              and his wonderful deeds for men.

Pastor:              Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people
Congr:              and praise him in the council of the elders.

Words of John Newton:

When we came into port, our very last victuals were boiling in the pot; and before we had been there two hours, the wind, which seemed to have been providentially restrained till we were in a place of safety, began to blow with great violence; so that, if we had continued at sea that night in our shattered enfeebled condition, we must, in all human appearance, have gone to the bottom.

 About this time I began to know that there is a God that hears and answers prayer.

While Amazing Grace has a reference to 1Chronicles 17:16-17 in the Onley hymnal, it is more likely to be based on Ephesians 2:4-9, Paul’s great treatise on Grace, which says:

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. [NIV]

 Sources:

1. Scripture text is from the NIV (Zondervan Publishing)

2. 
http://www.johnnewton.org/Mobile/default.aspx?article_id=72948
– modifed and adapted by S. Brown.