Praying Through the Psalms
Exploration of singing/chanting and praying the Psalms
All Creation Will Join the Celebration - Modern
April 9, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Psalm 118, Matthew 28:1–10
Jesus’ resurrection happened quickly, but it took time for his disciples to understand it. Likewise, our adoption as forgiven children of God happens in an instant and yet it takes a lifetime to live into. Forgive us our impatience when we want you to “fix” us but grow weary of the hard work of transformation. Help us to become patient with You, each other, and ourselves so that you can use us as instruments of transformation for others, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
All Creation Will Join the Celebration - Traditional
April 9, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Psalm 118, Matthew 28:1–10
Jesus’ resurrection happened quickly, but it took time for his disciples to understand it. Likewise, our adoption as forgiven children of God happens in an instant and yet it takes a lifetime to live into. Forgive us our impatience when we want you to “fix” us but grow weary of the hard work of transformation. Help us to become patient with You, each other, and ourselves so that you can use us as instruments of transformation for others, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
God Saves - Maundy Thursday
April 6, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Psalm 116
Why is this night different than other nights? Because this is the night when our sin and our death passed over us and onto Jesus. So, are we here to celebrate, or mourn? We are here to mourn Jesus’ death, and celebrate his resurrection – because his death is our life, and his resurrection is our celebration!
Praise in the Darkness - Modern
March 26, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Psalm 130
Lord, when we find ourselves in the depths, whether it is an emotional, physical, spiritual, or communal depth, and whether it is our fault or someone else’s, it truly doesn’t matter why we’re there, or who’s fault it is. Forgive us when we blame others for our faults and forgive us when we blame others who need our help more than our blame. Instead, help us call on your name so that we can come out of the depths to sing your praises! We ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Praise in the Darkness - Traditional
March 26, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Psalm 130
Lord, when we find ourselves in the depths, whether it is an emotional, physical, spiritual, or communal depth, and whether it is our fault or someone else’s, it truly doesn’t matter why we’re there, or who’s fault it is. Forgive us when we blame others for our faults and forgive us when we blame others who need our help more than our blame. Instead, help us call on your name so that we can come out of the depths to sing your praises! We ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
One Little Word - Modern
March 19, 2023 • Ron Mayo • Psalm 23
Lord, we your wayward children find ourselves struggling with explaining why we choose you and your teachings to those who don’t believe or are doubting their faith. We rack our brains to come up with the words to describe our faith. We put ourselves in your hands to guide us to this end. Give us the words to reach your unsteady children. Amen.
One Little Word - Traditional
March 19, 2023 • Ron Mayo • Psalm 23
Lord, we your wayward children find ourselves struggling with explaining why we choose you and your teachings to those who don’t believe or are doubting their faith. We rack our brains to come up with the words to describe our faith. We put ourselves in your hands to guide us to this end. Give us the words to reach your unsteady children. Amen.
Blessings for the Pilgrimage - Modern
March 5, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Psalm 121
When we look at the road ahead, It seems dark, difficult, and dangerous. But when we remember that the Lord goes with us, Then we know that God will bring us through, As long as we stay close with God and each other!
Blessings for the Pilgrimage - Traditional
March 5, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Psalm 121
When we look at the road ahead, It seems dark, difficult, and dangerous. But when we remember that the Lord goes with us, Then we know that God will bring us through, As long as we stay close with God and each other!
Keep Your Soul Simple - Modern
February 26, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Psalm 32
Lord, we make life far too complicated. In our minds, we create rules to follow and boxes to keep people in so the chaos of the world doesn’t overwhelm us. And yet, Your Son, the beloved, Jesus, showed us the simplicity of life that the Psalmists, Prophets, and Preachers of the scriptures pointed to: Stay close to God, and God will give us everything we need when we need it. As we focus on repentance this season, may our repentance bring us to the simple depth of Jesus’ example so that Easter will find us reveling in the joy of the Lord, no matter what is happening in the world, for we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Keep Your Soul Simple - Traditional
February 26, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Psalm 32
Lord, we make life far too complicated. In our minds, we create rules to follow and boxes to keep people in so the chaos of the world doesn’t overwhelm us. And yet, Your Son, the beloved, Jesus, showed us the simplicity of life that the Psalmists, Prophets, and Preachers of the scriptures pointed to: Stay close to God, and God will give us everything we need when we need it. As we focus on repentance this season, may our repentance bring us to the simple depth of Jesus’ example so that Easter will find us reveling in the joy of the Lord, no matter what is happening in the world, for we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.