Psalms in Worship—Psalm 29, a Litany with Percussion Praise in the Face of a Storm

Published January 8, 2026

Updated January 8, 2026

trees by streams of water
By Joyce Borger

In the unsettled stillness you can feel an electric charge. There is that smell in the air that is a predictor of rain. The sky is an ominous color—foreboding. You hold your breath waiting for chaos to ensue as nature displays its unstoppable power. The storm is about to break. 

Whether literally or figuratively, life is full of such experiences. The psalmist talks of such a storm in Psalm 29. But instead of being a psalm of lament and fear, it is a psalm of praise—praise to the God who created the world, who makes himself known in creation, who judges the world, and who is its redeemer. Our redemption is not found in creation or false gods, but in the mighty creator God who is worthy of praise. 

This litany is created for three voices. The first voice reads Psalm 29 NRSVUE which should be read dramatically, boldly, even boisterously as the storm increases in intensity, and then should conclude with a more peaceful tone. The second reader interjects in a few places and ends the litany quoting Matthew 3:17 NRSVUE from the account of Jesus’ baptism: When Jesus ascends from the water, the Holy Spirit alights on him, and the voice of God breaks forth declaring Christ to be God’s beloved son. The third reader reads Isaiah 43:1–3 NRSVUE in a comforting tone. Words are bolded throughout for emphasis. In the blue font you will find suggestions for adding sound and light to further highlight the drama in Psalm 29. The cumulative message of this litany is that though God is a God of immense power, who has control over all creation, we do not need to fear. God has sent God’s beloved son to redeem us. Do not be afraid. 

As I was putting this litany together, I kept thinking of this quote from C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, “Aslan is a lion—the Lion, the great Lion." "Ooh," said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"..."Safe?" said Mr Beaver..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”

Whatever storms might be coming your way, be assured that we serve a good King. Do not be afraid, give to the Lord the glory and praise that is due, for we know that the storm will pass, the Redeemer has come and will come again, and there will be peace.  

 

Psalm 29—Praise in the Face of a Storm

 

Reader 1:

Ascribe to the Lord, 
O heavenly beings,
 

  

Reader 2:

Ascribe to the Lord… 
not Baal
 

  

Reader 1:

   ascribe to the Lord
glory and strength.
 

 Begin some light tambourine.

Reader 2:

Ascribe to the Lord…
not the powers of this world. 
 

  

Reader 1:

Ascribe to the Lord
the glory of his name;
    worship the Lord
in holy splendor.

  
 

 

 Silence

Reader 2:

Our God speaks. 
 

  

Reader 1:

The voice of the Lord 
is over the waters;
 

 Begin with gentle water sounds 
that quickly escalate. 
If possible, have the space 
become progressively darker.

Reader 3:

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
 

  

Reader 1:

   the God of glory thunders,

 Add drums with increasing intensity 
over the following verses.

Reader 3:

    I have called you by name; 
you are mine.
 

  

Reader 1:

    the Lord, over mighty waters.
 

  

Reader 3:

When you pass through the waters, 
I will be with you,
 

  

Reader 1:

The voice of the Lord is powerful;    
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
 

 Introduce percussion sounds 
like a storm.

Reader 3: 

   and through the rivers, 
they shall not overwhelm you;
 

  

Reader 1:

The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
    the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf
    and Sirion like a young wild ox.
 

 Sounds of wood breaking,
Crashing.

Reader 3:

when you walk through fire 
you shall not be burned,
 

  

Reader 1:

The voice of the Lord
flashes forth flames of fire.

 Add a few flashes of light—
not too much as strobe lighting 
can cause seizures.

Reader 3:

    and the flame shall not consume you.
 

 Start increasing the light. 

Reader 1:

The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
    the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl
    and strips the forest bare,
    and in his temple all say, 
 

 Add wind sounds 
while the drumming lessens. 
Begin to settle down 
and get quieter.  

ALL

“Glory!”
 

 Full lights come up on the word “Glory.” 

Reader 3:

For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
 

  

Reader 1:

The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
 

 Non-water sounds dissipate.

Reader 2:

Ascribe to the Lord…
not Baal
 

  
Reader 1:

 the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
 

  

Reader 2:

Ascribe to the Lord…
not the powers of this world. 
 

  
Reader 1:

May the Lord give strength to his people!
    May the Lord bless his people with peace!

 Gentle water sounds remain
 

 

 Silence

Reader 2:

“This is my Son, the Beloved, 
with whom I am well pleased.” 

  

Revised Common Lectionary Epiphany 1A,B,C, Trinity Sunday B