Translating Psalms
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I Cried from the Depths – Translating Psalm 130
Sharing in the divine grief and emotion of the Lord, the soul of this psalmist is in the depths. Yet they continue to trust and cry out to the Lord. They know that the LORD is full of mercy and forgiveness. With Him, there is redemption in abundance.
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A Confident Prayer for Refuge – Translating Psalm 31
This psalm flows out of the lived internal experience of the psalmist. We get to look out through their eyes, and feel through their body the swings from hope, to despair, through to praise. Throughout, the Lord is presented as a strong fortress and refuge for those whose trust is in Him. The psalmist, who…
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A Prayer in Anguish – Translating Psalm 143
Crushed, pursued, and half dead, this psalmist cries out to a God who is not responding. While falling into the grave, they still believe. They still have faith in the God of history, and that the character of God means they will be saved.
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Prayer of a Poor Person in Need – Translating Psalm 86
Amidst being attacked by arrogant and violent people, our psalmist turns to God. They appeal to his mercy, strength, and glory.
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The Cries of a Broken Person – Translating Psalm 88
There are many lament psalms within the Psalter. Yet, there is only one lament psalm without a positive resolution. This is that psalm. It is a complex weaving of expressions between the brokenness of their life amidst the quiet distance of God. Every word written/spoken here an act of faith, and trust in their Lord…
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An Invitation to Praise God – Translating Psalm 95
Let us sing praise. Let us respond to the invitation before us. Let us choose to Praise God with our voices, and let our hearts respond to Him who saves us. This wonderful psalm has one of the most prominent positions within the Divine Office. It is the introductory psalm which is prayed each day…
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Great Works of the Lord – Translating Psalm 111
Praise the Lord who is active, present, concerned about His people, and doing justice. This psalm focuses on the many works that the Lord has done, and the overarching sense of His care. The core of praise is wrapped up within an address of the first audience. Those who are upright and embody all the…
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Protected by the Shelter of the Most High – Translating Psalm 91
There is a deep love and appreciation for the Lord in this psalm. That seemingly against the odds they have survived an ordeal and are praising God for their protection throughout. It is not possible for us to know the circumstances of this protection, but the psalmist exhorts us to follow their example in putting…
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A Night Prayer in the Sanctuary – Translating Psalm 134
Bless those who pray throughout the depths of the night! This psalm is only three verses long. When we come across shorter passages, it can be tempting to read them quickly and move on. The psalmist turns their attention to those who serve and pray to the Lord. These words rest on a foundation of…
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His Mercy Endures Forever – Translating Psalm 136
This psalm is known as the Passover Hymn. It was a part of various temple and Passover traditions since the first temple period. There is a sweeping arch of praise being given to God. Praise for who God is, his work of creation, his role in delivering his people Israel out of Egypt, and bringing…