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.
04/10/22 Palm Sunday Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 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. Fling wide your gate; I want to come in. Jesus is the gate; all are permitted entry. […]
04/03/22 5th Sunday in Lent Psalm 126 paraphrase by Pastor William It was like a fantastic dream; the Lord freed captive Zion. We laughed from our bellies, We sang loudly. Even our enemies took notice; they saw our God in action. Keep it up Lord, rebuild our miserable lives, give […]
03/27/22 4th Sunday in Lent Psalm 32 paraphrase by Pastor William To be forgiven is happiness, there is joy in reconciliation. O Lord you know my faults, but choose to not remember them. When I do wrong, I lay in my bed ruminating. It brings me no peace, nor resolution. […]
03/20/22 3rd Sunday in Lent Psalm 63:1-8 paraphrase by Pastor William O God, I’m searching for you, my heart needs you; my entire body longs for you, I’m thirsty for you. I look for you in church, observing your love in action. I cannot imagine life without you; your love […]
03/13/22 2nd Sunday in Lent Psalm 27 paraphrase by Pastor William Truth, love and peace; That’s my God! Strength, courage and willpower; That’s what God gives! People can be selfish and hurtful; some seek me harm. But, God is for me; who can stand against me? There is only one […]
03/06/22 1st Sunday in Lent Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 paraphrase by Pastor William You who live in God’s presence, under God’s caring wings, you call out: “My protector, my strength; it is you, God, whom I trust.” You are most important to me, God; I take shelter in your presence; wickedness will […]
Transfiguration Sunday Psalm 99 paraphrase by Pastor William 02/27/22 God is in charge; everyone with ears, listen! God has the seat of honor; the seat of power. Stand up and shout; God is great! God is good! God created everything; and it is good, very good. God set the foundation of fairness: created […]
7th Sunday after Epiphany Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 paraphrase by Pastor William 02/20/22 Stop fussing and being envious; good things happen to bad people too. That is not a reward for their behavior; rain falls on good and evil alike. Stay focused on what matters; continue to do good. Remember God loves you; […]
