When we read the Psalms, those 150 Old Testament songs, we sometimes ask our pastor; “What in the world does that mean?”
So, taking our curious minds seriously, our pastor decided to start putting those old writings into a format that might make more sense in today’s world.
Pastor is quick to point out that his paraphrase is not a scholarly translation.
He is just using his own interpretation in an attempt to make the Psalms a little more user-friendly.
Read some, let us know what you think.
Note: These Psalms follow the Revised Common Lectionary, which follows a prescribed three-year cycle of readings; they are not a numerical order.
08/13/23 Psalm 85:8-13 Paraphrased by Pastor William Listen carefully as God speaks; God talks about peace and love; for ALL people. The faithful will be rescued; from fear and despair, their country belongs to God. Love and honesty reside together, right living and caring unite.
08/06/23 Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 Paraphrased by Pastor William God you are gracious and merciful to all, slow to anger and overflowing with love. You lift up the lowly, you support the unsteady. Everyone looks to you for care, you provide all we need. You open your hand, out comes […]
07/30/23 Psalm 119:129-136 Paraphrased by Pastor William Oh, how I long to follow your instructions; your words unfurl in my heart like a wind-blown flag. My breath is taken away by your love; your fondness for me is overwhelming. Remain at my side, guiding my life; Lift me above the […]
07/23/23 Psalm 86:11-17 Paraphrased by Pastor William O Lord, teach me, guide me; keep me from getting distracted. My heart belongs to you; I will sing to you as long as I live. Your love for me is boundless; it lifts me out of the depths of despair. O Lord, […]
07/16/23 Psalm 65:9-13 Paraphrased by Pastor William You come to us, Lord, you water and fertilize the earth; you are the river of life; you provide abundant seed. You gently water the fields, giving life to the crops. You dress the meadows beautifully; you make a path of joy. The […]
07/09/23 Psalm 145:8-14 Paraphrased by Pastor William Today, I will speak well of you, God, telling everyone of your greatness. Every day, I will honor you, God, proclaiming your boundless peace. For you are full of grace and love, providing abundantly and without end. This generation shall tell its children, […]
07/02/23 Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 Paraphrased by Pastor William Lord, you are so awesome! I’m telling everyone I know. Your love is forever and unconditional! A guarantee without fail. You always say we can trust you, you have proven worthy. You are the Lord of our ancestors, farther back than we […]
06/25/23 Psalm 69:7-10, 16-18 Paraphrased by Pastor William God, I give my life to you, but people laugh and mock me. Even my own family calls me foolish, they do not follow my lead. My enthusiasm for you consumes me, people’s insults against you hurt me. I pray for them and […]
06/18/23 Psalm 100 Paraphrased by Pastor William Make some noise; everyone and everything! Show some adoration; sing in God’s presence! Here is the truth: God made us and loves us; we belong to God. Come into God’s house; sing songs of appreciation, bless God’s holy name. […]
06/11/23 2nd Sunday after Pentecost Psalm 50:7-15 paraphrased by Pastor William Listen up people; hear what God has to say: “I am your God; you have ignored me too long! You buy yourself groceries, but bring nothing to food pantries. You give a little bit to the church, but you forget […]
