Reflection in Ordinary Time: The Music of the Psalms

King David Playing the Harp
Gerhard van Honthorst, 1622
Source: Wikimedia commons

It may or may not be common knowledge: the Psalter, or Book of Psalms is the songbook of the Bible.  Many of these ancient songs are attributed to King David, seen at left as someone in the seventeenth century would have pictured him!

In my "visits" to Canterbury Cathedral for Morning Prayer with the Dean, usually in the gardens, I've enjoyed not only his reading of the Psalm for each morning, but also his reflections.

Dean Robert appreciates music, lyrics, poetry and history, and often weaves these components into his morning reflections on the Gospel and on the events of the past that took place on any given date.

This week, July 17 marked the birthday of the English minister, hymnist and theologian, Isaac Watts (not to be confused with the British naval architect of the same name).  Anglicans are familiar with Rev. Watts lyrics in hymns such as "Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the Sun" and "Joy to the World!". 

By happenstance (is there such a thing?!), the Psalm for the next morning -- July 18 -- taken from the Church of England's Lectionary (Book of Common Prayer) -- was Psalm 90.  And yes, Rev. Watts was inspired by that early song to write this hymn:

From his lyrics, it would seem that Rev. Watts' focus was on the text from the first part of this psalm -- verses 1-10 -- but singer-songwriter Steve Bell has taken his Psalm 90 inspiration from verse 14 onward...

Taken together, these poet-lyricists have joined the original Psalmist to make music for us to enjoy, to use for worship and celebration in 'ages past' and in 'years to come.

May the favour of the Lord our God

rest upon us;

establish the work of our hands for us --

yes, establish the work of our hands.

-- Psalm 90: 17 (NIV)

May this bless your day.