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Church Congregational Songs Demos Psalms

Psalm 87: Glorious Things

I collaborated with Michael Morgan many times before his death in 2022. Not long before he died, he sent me a collection of new Psalm settings he had written after the publication of his collection of all 150 Psalms, Psalter for Christian Worship. I have received permission from his estate to continue to write music for his Psalm settings; I like the idea of keeping his memory and work alive after his death.

In this latest collaboration, I used a setting of Psalm 87 that he wrote for Emily Brink. That made my work even more special, as Emily is a long-time friend.

Psalm 87 is a beautiful and surprising prophecy of how God will draw all nations to the holy city of Zion. Long-time enemies like Babylon and Philistia will miraculously be welcomed into God’s family. Psalm 87 goes so far as to say that God loves these outsiders enough to fudge the royal registry: “This one was born in Zion.” This is a lovely reminder that God’s understanding of insiders and outsiders has always been more gracious than ours. Michael Morgan captures this as “generations to be numbered, sons and daughters yet unborn” are “future heirs of Israel.” Beautiful.

I matched these hopeful, expansive lyrics with a buoyant melody in 3/4 whose tempo marking is “bright and regal.” It can be sung as a four-part hymn (Michael was an organist) or as a folk-ish praise song (I’m a guitarist). In the demo above, I’ve combined both of these, creating a style that has a bit of a Celtic or even Medieval flair.

1. Zion, fair and glorious city,
sanctuary, grand and sure,
where God’s chosen dwell in splendor,
ever sheltered and secure.

Glorious things of you are spoken;
Jacob’s halls no more excel.
On your holy mount are cherished
future heirs of Israel.

2. Generations to be numbered,
sons and daughters yet unborn
rise to greet their God in wonder,
looking to the sunlit morn. Chorus

3. Singers raise their songs of gladness;
dancers leap with joy anew;
Through the seasons everchanging
all our springs are found in you! Chorus

Categories
Church Congregational Songs Demos Psalms

Psalm 32: When I Kept Silent

Not more than a few weeks after I completed a song based upon Psalm 32, my long-time lyrical collaborator, Doug Gay, sent me a beautiful rendering of the same Psalm. “Well,” I thought, “you can never get enough of Psalm 32.”

Whereas “Blessed Is the One” has an almost Middle Eastern groove, “When I Kept Silent” is an understated Celtic ballad.

Give a listen to both versions and let me know what you think. Is there one you like better as a listener? One you’d be more likely to use in your congregation? Do you hear different nuances of Psalm 32’s message in the two songs?

1. Happy are all those whose sins are removed.
Blessed are all souls at home in God’s love.
Happy are all folk whose conscience is clear.
Blessed are all those whose hearts are sincere.

When I kept silent I wasted away,
burdened by guilt every night, every day.
When I acknowledged my sin to the Lord,
I was forgiven, I was restored.

2. Come then, you faithful, and pray now to God
when trouble rises all round like a flood.
God is your shelter and your hiding place.
God will surround you with strength and with grace.

3. God says, “I’ll teach you the ways you should choose.”
God says, “I’ll show you the paths you should use.
Walk in my wisdom, my joy will be yours.
Trust me and follow, my mercy is sure.”

Categories
Church Congregational Songs FAWM 2025 Psalms

Psalm 29: The Voice of the Lord

Psalm 29 paints a picture of God and nature intertwined. But more than simply embodying God in the thunder and lightning, the psalm shows the world to be God’s very temple. While some theological frameworks paint the earth as fundamentally tainted by sin, to be left behind when we’re transported to heaven, Psalm 29 says that God’s presence makes the stuff of life sacred–blessed.

Psalm 29 begins with two “ascribe to the Lord” verses and ends with two verses of “the Lord is enthroned.” Between those bookends are seven “the voice of the Lord” statements. I stick close to this poetic form in my song.

Musically, this song is an easy-to-sing melody with fairly run-of-the-mill chords. But I’ve fleshed it out on this recording with all sorts of fun musical doodads: a section accompanied by four basses, interjections of arpeggiating guitars, and synthesized swamp gas.

  1. The voice of the Lord is on the waters.
    The voice of the Lord moves o’er the deep.
    The voice of the Lord resounds through the sky;
    thunders across the sea.

Ascribe to the Lord, all you creatures of heaven,
ascribe to the Lord all the glory and might.
Ascribe to the Lord all the splendor of his name
and worship the Lord on high.

  1. The voice of the Lord is filled with power.
    The forests fall down before their King.
    The voice of the Lord, the fiercest of joys,
    making the mountains leap. Chorus
  2. The voice of the Lord is like the lightning;
    it flashes across the desert sky.
    The earth has become the temple of God.
    “Glory!” the people cry. Chorus
  3. The Lord is enthroned above the water.
    The Lord is enthroned upon the sky.
    The voice of the Lord, it hallows the earth;
    blesses all humankind. Chorus
Categories
Church Congregational Songs Psalms

Psalm 135: Praise the Lord!

I’m planning a recording project and realized I needed a setting of Psalm 135 to fill in the sequence from 120-136. You’ll remember that Psalms 120-134 are the Psalms of Ascent; 135-136 are often considered addendums to the collection.

Like many of the Psalms that surround it, Psalm 135 is a call to praise, pointing to creation, the calling of Israel, and deliverance from enemies as reasons for praise. It was a trick not getting bogged down in details like the killing of Og, king of Bashan, while still retaining the overall sense of the Psalm. As often happens, the discipline of trying to find rhymes and rhythms that express the Psalm in modern language led to some fresh imagery and phrases. “Dwell” and “Hallel” for the win!

Praise the Lord,
all you servants of the Lord.
Praise the Lord,
those who serve in the house of God.
Praise the Lord,
for God has claimed us as his own.
Praise the Lord!

1. Our God has done as he has pleased.
For joy he formed and filled the seas.
The mountains grandeur and the heaven’s expanse
all leapt to life at his command.

God’s breath blew clouds into the skies;
lightening and rain made their reply.
And then God carved a path upon the earth;
called us and led his people forth! [Chorus]

2. Your name endures forevermore.
Each generation joins the song.
Our God is known for his unending love.
His tender mercy covers all.

Some trust in idols made of gold,
but we will trust a living God
who leads us on to where his glory dwells,
where we will join the great Hallel. [Chorus]

Categories
Church Congregational Songs Demos Psalms

Psalm 26: Upheld

Psalm 26 is like the prayer version of Psalm 1. Whereas Psalm 1 states “Blessed is the one…” (who does not walk, stand, or sit with the wicked), Psalm 26 makes it personal: “I do not…” (sit or associate with evildoers). On the one hand, it is not flattering to hear someone extol their own virtues. On the other hand, the Psalmist is praying an honest prayer many of us have prayed: “God, I really try to do the right thing–please save me from the trouble I’m in!”

What drew my attention most as I poured over Psalm 26 is the final verse: “My feet stand on level ground.” Many Psalms talk about God putting them on solid rock, but only this and Psalm 143 use the phrase “level ground.” It echoes the words of Isaiah 40: “Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.” To me, the image says that God is making a way, clearing a path for us. I like that.

This “level ground” image seemed to ask for confident, relaxed music. I chose a 6/8 gospel groove which allows for a bit of crooning while still having some twists and turns that keep things from getting schmalzy. I especially like how verse 4 shifts harmonically, mirroring the impassioned cry for mercy, then returns to the level ground of the final chorus.

You have set my feet upon steady ground.
I am standing firm in my refuge strong.
Let the saints join in, let their praise resound.
We are upheld by our God.

1. Uphold me, O God, for I’ve trusted in you.
Test me, for my faith has not faltered.
You know me, and my heart is forever true. Chorus

2. Uphold me in your love, for I’m living in you.
You’re faithful and you keep me from evil.
It beckons, but you always have led me through. Chorus

3. Lord, cleanse me again and your wonders I will tell.
I’ll praise you in the midst of your people,
proclaiming your great love where your glory dwells. Chorus

4. Lord, don’t leave my soul to strangers
who scheme throughout the night.
Lord, redeem me, keep me blameless,
have mercy on my life! Chorus

Categories
Church Congregational Songs Demos Psalms

Psalm 41: Blessed Are the Weak

Unlike its neighbors, Psalm 40 (“I waited patiently”) and 42 (“As the deer”), Psalm 41 has no memorable catchphrases or popular songs based on it. But that doesn’t mean it should be ignored!

Psalm 41 is a prayer for healing. It seems even the Psalmist believes the illness is due to sin. The dire circumstances cause the Psalmist to pray fervently, trusting God to forgive and heal. Unfortunately, others use this as an opportunity to kick him while he’s down. You can almost feel the Schadenfreude as enemies wait for him to die, cheerfully gossiping and expecting even the Psalmist’s memory to vanish. Even his friends take part in the hate-mongering. Still the Psalmist trusts, announcing a miraculous restoration even on what appears to be a death bed.

My setting of the Psalm focuses on the weak: “Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.” This strikes me as very similar to Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” God has always sided with the poor, the weak, and the outsiders. Psalm 41 indicates that God will care for those who help the weak when they experience their own time of need.

1. Have mercy, O my God!
I’ve sinned, but you can heal.
My enemies encircle me
to watch me disappear.

Blessed are the weak,
and those who care for the weak.
God will care for them in their time of need.
God bless the weak.
God bless the weak.

2. I hear them whispering now:
“He earned this grave disease.
He’ll never rise from where he lies.”
And even friends agree.

3. But you, my one true friend–
you’ve heard and will restore.
You’ll raise me up in power and love
and keep me evermore.

Blessed be the One
who hears our deep lament.
Eternal, everlasting God:
Amen. Amen.

Categories
Church Congregational Songs Demos Jazz Psalms

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 beg to be sung:
“I thirst for you.”
“My whole being longs for you.”
“Your love is better than life.”
“I sing in the shadow of your wings.”

Interestingly, there are relatively few songs based on Psalm 63 given its popularity:
“Step by Step,” made famous by Rich Mullins
“O God, You Are My God Alone” by the Iona Community
“My Soul Is Thirsting” by Michael Joncas (my favorite)

As I sat down with the Psalm, I was immediately struck by its yearning tone. There is a strong sense of longing throughout. Too often, our faith is fueled by duty, guilt, or habit. It is refreshing to hear the Psalmist expressing faith in such a passionate way. I decided the best musical style to portray this passion would be jazz. Jazz has juicy chords and unresolved melody notes that make it a rich emotional palette. In fact, in the first 6 bars, the melody is made up almost entirely of notes that don’t match the chord. This creates a sense of longing that never quite resolves. I know this elusive quality will make the song hard for congregations to sing; it may be more appropriate sung by the music leaders only.

1. You, O God, you are my God.
With all my heart I’m seeking you.
My thirsty soul, it longs for you.

I have beheld your glory.
My life is filled with your love.
With every breath I am singing.
My hands, I am lifting.
I’ll never stop praising you.

2. For you, O God, you are my God.
Throughout the night I dwell on you.
And though I sleep, I dwell with you.

I shelter here in the shadows,
secure beneath your wing.
I cling to you for my safety
from all those who hate me.
I’ll never stop praising you.

3. For you, O God, you are my God.
With all I am, I rejoice in you.
O God, my joy is found in you.

Categories
Church Congregational Songs Demos Psalms

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 on trust in God’s deliverance with images like refuge, fortress, trust, and (safe in your) dwelling. It ends with the admonition: “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” It is a great comfort to me to know that I can meditate and hope in the same scriptures that Jesus recited in his time of deepest distress.

I asked Kate Bluett to work with me on this Psalm and she wrote a lovely setting of the text. It captures not only the heart of the Psalm, but also the structure, from plea for help, to description of affliction, to final words of hope.

Kate had mentioned to me her surprise at how triumphal the Psalm is, given its place in the passion narrative. I assumed this triumph would manifest itself in a rousing, sturdy melody. Instead, I found myself writing a flowing, confident tune that is full of quiet courage.

1. In your shadow is my refuge–
let me not be put to shame.
In your righteousness, my shelter–
listen and make haste to save!
In your name, what joy to hear it,
all my trust, O guard and guide.
In your hands I place my spirit:
O God of truth, redeem my life!

2. I have not served gold or idols;
no, I place my trust in you.
You who see my pain and trials,
surely you will see me through.
Though my days wear out in sorrow,
though my years wind down in sighs,
still you hold all my tomorrows.
O God of truth, redeem my life!

3. See my brothers and my sisters
turn away from me in fear.
Every day I hear their whispers;
shame surrounds me everywhere.
Yet I trust in you forever–
yes, your light on me will shine.
They forget, but you remember:
O God of truth, redeem my life!

4. In your goodness to your children,
I sit down as to a feast.
In your presence I am hidden,
safe from all my enemies.
Though I said in fear and hurting,
I was cut off from your sight,
yet you heard me in your mercy:
The God of truth redeemed my life!

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Church Congregational Songs Demos Psalms

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 sturdy musical feel and the references to God as the Rock in the text. It made sense that the other tune–so shifty and slippery–should be called “SANDY.” I still can’t decide which I like better. ROCKY is muscular and to the point, and likely easier for congregations to sing. SANDY is more sophisticated musically but may be more suited to a soloist.

I will let you decide. Feel free to leave a comment explaining which is your favorite and why.

1. My God, the Rock on which I stand,
I cry to you in need.
My refuge, see me lift my hands:
Do not be deaf to me!
Not silent as the stony ground,
unmoving when I cry:
Into the pit I shall go down
if stone-like you stand by.

2. Do not cast me away, O Lord,
with those whose tongues are sharp,
who speak of peace and long for war
within their hardened hearts.
Give them instead what they deserve,
and tear their evil down.
Let them and all their wicked works
lie scattered on the ground!

3. But you, O God, are stone and strength;
our refuge never fails.
You bear us up the breadth and length
of all our days and cares.
Blest be the Lord who heard my cry:
my strength, my shield, my Rock.
Oh, let my song rise up on high
to praise the might of God!

Categories
Church Congregational Songs Demos Jazz Psalms

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 begins with a plea to help the righteous, continues by contrasting the fate of the wicked, and ends with preemptive praise to the God who saves. Kate follows this structure in her beautiful rendition of the Psalm. Notice how she teases out the image of God the Rock, as opposed to the stony silence of a god who doesn’t hear people’s prayers.

I actually wrote four tunes for Kate’s text as I tried to imagine how to bring the song to life. I quickly threw out two of them, but I simply couldn’t decide between the other two. The first (this one) is a jazzy melody that never quite comes to rest in relation to the chords. This gives the song a mournful, prayerful character that brings out the pathos of Kate’s text. The other tune (wait for a separate blog post) is more rustic and forceful, which gives the song confidence in the midst of a trial.

1. My God, the Rock on which I stand,
I cry to you in need.
My refuge, see me lift my hands:
Do not be deaf to me!
Not silent as the stony ground,
unmoving when I cry:
Into the pit I shall go down
if stone-like you stand by.

2. Do not cast me away, O Lord,
with those whose tongues are sharp,
who speak of peace and long for war
within their hardened hearts.
Give them instead what they deserve,
and tear their evil down.
Let them and all their wicked works
lie scattered on the ground!

3. But you, O God, are stone and strength;
our refuge never fails.
You bear us up the breadth and length
of all our days and cares.
Blest be the Lord who heard my cry:
my strength, my shield, my Rock.
Oh, let my song rise up on high
to praise the might of God!