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.
06/19/22 2nd Sunday after Pentecost Psalm 22:19-28, paraphrased by Pastor William Hey God, don’t delay, come quickly, I need your help. They’re trying to cut my throat; those mongrels are overpowering. You better show up soon; I’m about to be eaten alive! You rescued me – Hallelujah! I’ll tell […]
06/12/22 The Holy Trinity Psalm 8, paraphrased by Pastor William Wow God, your creation is magnificent; you did such a great job! Babies coo and babble about it, youngsters shout and sing. Their voices rise above and drown out, all those who deny you. I look up and see the stars, […]
06/05/22 Day of Pentecost Psalm 104:24-34, paraphrased by Pastor William Wow, God! You made all this? the beautiful mountains, the flowing waters, the great variety of animals, the myriad of plants. All this looks heavenward; for their food, for their breath, for their very life. You speak […]
05/29/22 7th Sunday of Easter Psalm 97, paraphrased by Pastor William God is in charge, let us celebrate; let the whole earth rejoice! Clouds encircle God’s throne; decency and justice are its foundation. Fire radiates from God, overwhelming God’s opponents. God’s lightning brightens the dark skies, the whole earth shakes. […]
05/22/22 6th Sunday of Easter Psalm 67, paraphrased by Pastor William God bless all the nations of the world, and make your face shine on us all, so that all nations will know your way, and treat each other with love. Let all the people know you, O God; then all […]
05/15/22 5th Sunday of Easter Psalm 148, paraphrased by Pastor William Lord, you are the greatest! Let everyone give you praise: the angels in heaven, the sun and moon, the bright night stars, the earth and planets, the mountains and valleys, the seas and rivers, the animals […]
05/08/22 4th Sunday of Easter 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 […]
05/01/22 3rd Sunday of Easter Psalm 30 paraphrase by Pastor William You did it again, God; you got me out of trouble. I cried out to you to help me; and you answered me. I was sick and worried; and you comforted me. Do you hear me people? Give thanks […]
04/24/22 2nd Sunday of Easter Psalm 150 paraphrase by Pastor William Praise God! Praise God in the house of worship; praise God under the blue sky. Praise God for all God has done; praise God for God’s mighty love. Praise God with trumpet blasts; praise God with guitars and lyres. Praise […]
04/17/22 Resurrection Sunday Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 paraphrase by Pastor William Oh God, you are the greatest; you love us no matter what. Let everyone say it together; you love us no matter what. I get my strength from God; It is God’s grace that saves me. I sing songs of joy […]
