Psalm 1

Wasilla Bible Church

Psalm 1

Psalms 1 and 2 are often called the gateway to the book of Psalms, for they introduce key themes that run throughout the book. Psalm 1 describes the righteous one and, by extension, the righteous ones, their relationship with the LORD, and his blessing upon them.

To sing this psalm we used lyrics from The Book of Psalms for Worship (©2009 Crown and Covenant) and paired them with a melody familiar to our congregation, “Approach, My Soul, the Mercy Seat” (©2011 Joel Stamoolis).

This recording features Alyssa Foss on vocals, Sean Tracy on guitar, Thomas Doak on cajón, and Joel Stamoolis on cello.

Psalm 123

Psalms 120-134 are called Psalms of Ascent, most likely because they were sung by worshipers ascending to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. In Psalm 123, the worshipers look humbly to the LORD God for mercy. To sing Psalm 123 we used lyrics by Joel Stamoolis (©2010) set to the melody of the Bourree II in J.S. Bach's Cello Suite No. 4. This recording features Naomi Stamoolis on vocals and English horn and Joel Stamoolis on vocals and guitar.

Psalm 122

Psalms 120-134 are called Psalms of Ascent, most likely because they were sung by worshipers ascending to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. In Psalm 122, the psalmist rejoices at having arrived in Jerusalem, the city of the LORD's house and anointed King. To sing Psalm 122 we set lyrics from Sing Psalms (©2003 Free Church of Scotland) to the melody "Hyfrdol" ("Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus") by Rowland Prichard (1830). This recording features Andrea Sandefur, Naomi Stamoolis, and Dennis DeWinter on vocals, and Joel Stamoolis on vocals and guitar.

Psalm 121

Psalms 120-134 are called Psalms of Ascent, most likely because they were sung by worshipers ascending to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. In Psalm 121, the psalmist looks to the hills of Jerusalem and remembers that our help for the journey, and indeed for all of life, comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. To sing Psalm 121 we used an original setting by Andrea Sandefur (©2015). This recording features Andrea Sandefur and Naomi Stamoolis on vocals and Joel Stamoolis on guitar.