The issue has come up again recently: why are there often two different numbers for the same psalm? The Hebrew Bible counted the psalms one way. The Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek counted many psalms slightly differently. The early Christians used the Septuagint, and then went on to translate into Latin (the
Why are there Two Different Numbers for the Same Psalm? Read More »
Singing in worship is one of the most important dimensions of liturgy. Singing is attractive, prays twice, gives worship vitality, forms community, reinforces memory… Let’s put to one side for another day the good statement that we don’t sing at the liturgy, the liturgy is sung, and focus on the concrete decisions we have to
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The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, made media waves when he acknowledged he has doubts. In the interview with Lucy Tegg (video above, start at 12:00 minutes in), he candidly says, “There are moments, sure, where you think ‘Is there a God? Where is God?’” When asked, “Do you ever doubt?”, he replies, “Yes. I
Habit 4 – Quality Music The importance of music and singing cannot be underestimated. Taizé and Hillsong are just two well-known examples that illustrate the potency of music. Singing cultures know how unifying and invigorating group singing is. If you’ve been to a sports game where supporters sing – you will know exactly what I
Seven Habits of Highly Effective Churches 4 Read More »
In a recent conversation here it was pointed out that if you place the text in front of someone the majority of us cannot help but read it. That is true whether it is in a book, on a pew sheet, or up on a projected screen. Even if people know the text by heart,
I do not recall how I recently fell over the Pearls of life – the Wreath of Christ beads. The Anglican rosary is quite well known, as is the Orthodox prayer beads with their Kyrie eleison (“Lord have mercy…”), and the traditional Rosary with its 150 Hail Marys (3x5x10) replicating the 150 psalms of the
Following the recent discussion about praying by heart I ended up in a conversation which I think we often encounter in differing forms: “Don’t forget what Jesus says about vain repetition” (ie. Matthew 6:7). To which I reply, yes, in Matthew’s Gospel the Lord’s Prayer is an example of how to pray, like a model
The Jewish “Mourners’ Kaddish” is said at all prayer services and certain other occasions. It takes the form of Kaddish Yehe Shelama Rabba, and is traditionally recited several times, most prominently at or towards the end of the service, after the Aleinu and/or closing Psalms and/or (on the Sabbath) Ani’im Zemirot. Following the death of
