wrightings . . .

We are spending the first several Sundays of the year focusing on the Psalms in worship.  The Psalms have always been important in Christian practice, and our Presbyterian tradition is no     exception.  At various times there have been Christians who would only sing Biblical texts, and settings of the Psalms were very     important for them.  When you see a hymn labeled Scottish    Psalter or Genevan Psalter, that is a direct link to our Reformed musical roots.
It's been an interesting experience, planning and working through all these texts.  The Psalms have so many images and names for God: help, hope, rock, fortress, drill sergeant (Psalm 144), king, creator, mother (Psalm 131), builder, teacher, shepherd, dwelling place, and more.  The God of the Psalms lifts up the oppressed, takes the side of the poor, throws down injustice, and holds the violence of nations in derision.  God loves everything in creation, and sees to the care of the creatures.  At least thirty-five times we read that God's steadfast love endures forever.
Therefore, almost every Psalm includes some expression of praise or thanks.  Even when the subject is danger or enemies, the faithfulness of God is celebrated.  Even when there is a plea about why God is taking so long to act, there is confidence that help will come.  Even the dark and vindictive Psalm 137 remembers the goodness of the Lord's song, celebrated in another land, and hopes for restoration.
I encourage you to discover the fullness of these riches more directly.  The Psalms probably were intended originally to be heard out loud, perhaps most often in groups, but you can still read them for yourself.  Most are fairly short.  If you read two or three a day, you can finish them all by Easter.  Look for similarities.  Watch for patterns and common themes.  Most of all, notice all the reasons to praise the Lord!

             -Stephen Hamilton Wright, pastor