Psalms in Worship—Psalm 27 for Difficult Times
I can’t read Psalm 27 without Lillian Bouknight’s versification playing in my mind. In the hymnal, Lift Up Your Hearts: Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, (Faith Alive, 2013), of which I served as editor, it appears in the “Difficult Times” section of the hymnal (LUYH #431). Some have thought it a strange place even though the song talks about trouble. “Isn't it a bit too upbeat?”, they query. I respond that not only does Bouknight’s arrangement, when played correctly, capture the tenor of the psalm, its placement in the hymnal and in our lived hymnody is spot on. Sometimes you need to look difficult times in the face with defiance, speaking truth to evil, resisting through your proclamations of faith. Sometimes you need to boldly declare what you believe in order to claim it for yourself, standing firm amidst the chaotic storm swirling around you. When led correctly, Bouknight’s arrangement of Psalm 27, “The Lord is My Light,” has an unobtrusive steady marching pulse; there is a firmness to the melody itself. In Bouknight’s hands, the words of Psalm 27 become bold declarations, bolstering the soul during times of much faith and times of fear, doubt, questions, and grief. If you have a moment, listen to this recording which exemplifies this so well. It was recorded at the 2015 Calvin Symposium of Worship with the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship’s dear departed friend, Dr. Jimmy Abington, at the piano. As pastors and worship leaders, one of our tasks is to prepare our people for difficult times and support them through it. One way of doing that is to make sure that they have a sung repertoire to pull from in those moments, whether that moment be a funeral or an act of resistance against the evil powers of this world. I encourage you to make this particular arrangement of Psalm 27 one of those songs that can play as the backdrop for the difficult times that your people do and will face. Psalm 27 for Two Voices and InstrumentsHere is the full psalm with Bouknight’s versification woven throughout. It will take a bit of rehearsing for the musicians and readers to get the timing and feeling right, but with the Spirit’s leading, the extra effort will amplify the message of the psalm. ReaderTextDirections Begin playing just the melody of Lillian Bouknight’s Psalm 27, “The Lord is My Light” softly in the background playing under the spoken word. Reader 1The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Speak a bit timidly with the emphasis on the question.Reader 2There is much to fear. Haven’t you been paying attention? [List a few fears facing your people, thinking of their different ages and stages.] Reader 1The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh—my adversaries and foes— they shall stumble and fall.Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear;though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. Begin with the emphasis on the statement of faith that begins the first two questions then spoken with increased confidence as the music accompaniment begins to fill out adding chords below the melody line. All Sing“The Lord is My Light” (st. 1, no refrain) Bouknight For now keep the music reserved. Reader 2Sometimes I feel like I am surrounded, like there is no escaping all the scary things in this world. In times like these I need to hold on to the truth that despite every evidence to the contrary, good will triumph. One day evil will be overthrown, and all will be well. Reader 1One thing I asked of the Lord; this I seek:to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. All Sing“The Lord is My Light” (st. 2, no refrain) Bouknight Reader 1For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble;he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock. Reader 2So, we stand here with courage and confidence, knowing that God is with us. God will keep us safe; we will experience redemption. All Sing“The Lord is My Light” (st. 3, no refrain) Bouknight Reader 1Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me,and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;I will sing and make melody to the Lord. All Sing“The Lord is My Light” (st. 1, with refrain) Bouknight Grow into the refrain. Reader 2Yes, this is my testimony, but still my heart is heavy, and so, as an act of faith, I bring my prayer to God. Reader 1Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek. Reader 2Your face, Lord, do I seek. All Sing“The Lord is My Light” (refrain only) Bouknight With confidence. Reader 2I seek the Lord; I trust God, but still there is so much that is wrong in this world! Reader 1 Do not hide your face from me.Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help.Do not cast me off; do not forsake me, O God of my salvation!If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up.Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence. Prayerful pleading. With realization. With desire. Firmly. Reader 2Lord, hear my prayer. Hear the words of my lament. Hold my faith firm even as I face all that is wrong in this world. [Add specifics if appropriate.]Still I believe! All Sing“The Lord is My Light” (st. 1 with refrain) Bouknight Defiantly and at full volume. Reader 1I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Spoken with great faith. All Sing“The Lord is My Light” (st. 2 with refrain) Bouknight With firmness and courage. Revised Common Lectionary: Lent 2C, Epiphany 3A
