Category Archives: Congregational Songs

Psalm 63: You Are My God

I was surprised to discover I hadn’t set Psalm 63 to music yet. Perhaps I shied away because I thought the competition would be fierce for a Psalm like this; it is a Psalm full of beautiful sentiments that fairly … Continue reading

Posted in Church, Congregational Songs, Demos, Jazz, Psalms | Leave a comment

Psalm 31: In Your Shadow Is My Refuge

Psalm 31 has a place in Holy Week worship because Jesus quoted it from the cross: “Into your hands I commit my spirit.” Though verses 9-13 give a glimpse into the terror of the cross, much of the Psalm focuses … Continue reading

Posted in Church, Congregational Songs, Demos, Psalms | Leave a comment

Psalm 28: My God, the Rock (tune: ROCKY)

As I explained in a previous blog post, Kate Bluett’s rendition of Psalm 28 was so good that it needed two musical versions to bring out the nuances of the text. I named this hymn tune “ROCKY” because of its … Continue reading

Posted in Church, Congregational Songs, Demos, Psalms | Leave a comment

Psalm 28: My God, the Rock (tune: SANDY)

I asked Kate Bluett if she would be willing to write a new Psalm text on one of the Psalms I haven’t yet set to music. She came through with skill and style! Psalm 28 is a three-part prayer. It … Continue reading

Posted in Church, Congregational Songs, Demos, Jazz, Psalms | 1 Comment

Psalm 21: The Coronation of the King

This is the Psalm that almost ended my relationship with the Psalms. I mean, I’ve made songs out of some pretty difficult Psalms, but this one almost did me in. No, it didn’t have hateful imprecations. (I’m looking at you, … Continue reading

Posted in Church, Congregational Songs, Demos, Psalms | Leave a comment

Refugee King, string arrangement live at Rosewood

A few years ago, I helped write a song called “Refugee King (Away from the Manger).” This year, I used it in a service accompanied by The All Saints Orchestra (St. Sinner’s holier half), so I decided to write a … Continue reading

Posted in Arrangement, Church, Congregational Songs, Live | Leave a comment

Psalm 136: The Gracious Love of God Will Never End

Sorry I haven’t been posting regularly lately. Sometimes the music business gets in the way of the music itself… I’m back with a new Psalm. This draft has been in my idea folder since 2020 when I read that Psalm … Continue reading

Posted in Church, Congregational Songs, Psalms | Leave a comment

Psalm 15: Lord, May I Dwell with You?

From my Psalm 15 study notes: I’ve got to admit: it’s almost depressing reading Psalm 15. Not only is it works righteousness, but it sets the bar impossibly high. Who may dwell in God’s sanctuary? No one… I believe that … Continue reading

Posted in Church, Congregational Songs, Demos, Psalms | Leave a comment

Psalm 14: We Wait for You, Our Savior

Update: This song is now available at gregscheer.com. I’m posting this Psalm two days after the Superbowl, which has given people 48 hours to register their disgust at Rihanna’s halftime show. Clutching their pearls and a bag of chips, they … Continue reading

Posted in Church, Congregational Songs, Demos, Psalms | Leave a comment

Psalm 108: O God, My Heart Is Ready (w/ Kate Bluett)

Update: This song is now available at gregscheer.com. Whenever I get the chance to work with Kate Bluett, I jump at the opportunity. She has a knack for writing hymns that are fresh and insightful, yet draw a worshiper’s attention … Continue reading

Posted in Church, Congregational Songs, Demos, Psalms | Leave a comment