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.
03/26/23 Fifth Sunday in Lent Psalm 130, paraphrased by Pastor William I’m at my lowest, LORD; I really need you, now! Open your ears to hear me. If you kept track of all I do wrong, I’d be toast! Instead, you addicted to forgiveness. I’m at my wits end, I’m so alone and […]
03/19/23 Fourth Sunday in Lent Psalm 23, paraphrased by Pastor William Oh Lord, you are my protecting shepherd. You provide my every need. You bed me down in the greenest of meadows. You bring me to the cool refreshing brook. You allow me to pause, and then send me forward in […]
03/12/23 Third Sunday in Lent Psalm 95, paraphrased by Pastor William Listen up! It is time to tune into the Lord; Let us make a joyful noise! Let us double time march as we gather; raising the roof with our songs. Why? Because the Lord is our King; the best there […]
03/05/23 Second Sunday in Lent Psalm 121, paraphrased by Pastor William I look for it, look far and wide; where is my help? There it is; help comes from God, who made everything! God will keep you from tripping; God watches through the night. God keeps watch over us all, […]
02/26/23 First Sunday in Lent Psalm 32, paraphrased by Pastor William To be forgiven is happiness, there is joy in reconciliation. O Lord you know my faults, but you choose to not remember them. When I do wrong, I lay in my bed ruminating. It brings me no peace, nor […]
02/19/23 Transfiguration of Our Lord Psalm 2, paraphrased by Pastor William Why do world leaders scheme, and collude in selfish ways. They think they are in charge, they ignore and disregard God. But God laughs at their folly, God holds them in contempt. At some point, God will have enough; […]
02/12/23 Epiphany 6 Psalm 119:1-8, paraphrased by Pastor William How wonderful it is, to be law-filled, when done for the right reason: for God’s glory. It is great to walk closely with God, to keep all God’s laws, to do no wrong against others, to protect God’s creation. Oh, that […]
02/05/23 Epiphany 5 Psalm 112, paraphrased by Pastor William Praise God! Take delight, you who respect God. Your offspring will benefit; they will be a blessing to others. Your house will be a place of refuge; peace and love will abound there. God’s light shines through your actions; you are […]
01/29/23 Epiphany 4 Psalm 15, paraphrased by Pastor William God, who gets to come to your party? How can I get invited? Follow the straight and narrow, tell the truth always! Don’t speak bad words about anyone, always speak well of others. Keep your word, even if it costs […]
01/22/23 Epiphany 3 Psalm 27:1, 4-9, paraphrased by Pastor William Truth, love and peace; That’s my God! Strength, courage and willpower; That’s what God gives! There’s only one thing I want; to live with God at my side; to be in God’s beautiful home; to be safe in God’s arms. […]
