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.
10/22/23 Psalm 96:1-9 Paraphrased by Pastor William Sing to God like you’ve never sung before! Everyone and everything sing out! God’s creation is amazing and wonderful! God loves all people with overflowing crazy affection. People have many gods and idols, but they cannot do what God has done. Our God made everything… […]
10/15/23 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 the right direction. Even […]
10/08/23 Psalm 80:7-15 Paraphrased by Pastor William God of the angels; your smile delights us. You brought the vine from captivity; you re-planted it in safety. You cleared the ground of weeds; it grew abundantly under your care. It grew so high it shaded your mountains, It reached up […]
10/01/23 Psalm 25:1-9 Paraphrased by Pastor William My heart and soul belong to you, O God. I rely upon you; for your support; for your guidance; stand behind me and hold me up. People mock me because I am devoted to you; but, it is them who should be ashamed. […]
09/24/23 Psalm 145:1-8 Paraphrased by Pastor William Today, I will speak well of you, God, telling everyone of your greatness. Every day, will I 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 of […]
09/17/23 Psalm 103:8-13 Paraphrased by Pastor William God is compassionate and kindhearted, endlessly patient and overflowing with love. God chooses to not remember our bad behavior, nor holds a grudge against us. God gives us not what we deserve, nor seeks revenge. As a loving parent feels toward their child, […]
09/10/23 Psalm 119:33-40 Paraphrased by Pastor William O God, teach me the right way to live, and I will do my best to follow it. Give me wisdom to understand your ways, and I will follow with my whole heart. Direct me to compassion and forgiveness, and I will use it […]
09/03/23 Psalm 26:1-8 Paraphrased by Pastor William Deliver me, O Lord, I have been faithful to you, without wavering. Test me, and see; test my heart and mind. I always look to you, always walk in your ways. I do not align with the ungodly, or with those who […]
