20070731

Psalm 11

Evangel/Seraph

The Lord is my security.
So how then can you say:
'Up to your mountain, birdlike, flee,
For look now at the way
The vile bend bows, shoot secretly,
The upright to waylay.
When men destroy foundations true,
What can the righteous do?'

The Lord is in his holy place;
The Lord's on his high throne.
His eyes behold the human race;
Examining his own.
The Lord the righteous tests and weighs,
But those devoid of grace,
Who violence love and sin extol,
He hates with all his soul.

Upon the wicked he will rain
Hot coals and sulphur spew;
He’ll blast with scorching hurricane,
Yes, this will be their due.
For righteous will the Lord remain,
He justice loves, it's true;
They'll see his face will upright men.
Amen. It's true. Amen.

20070730

Psalm 10

Montgomery

Why is it, O Lord, that so far off you stand?
Why do you hide yourself when troubles arise?
The wicked, while boasting, the weak how they hound,
They’re caught in the schemes that the wicked devise.

He boasts of the cravings that lurk in his heart;
He blesses the greedy, the Lord how he mocks.
With pride filled, the wicked to seek him won't start;
In all of his thoughts there is no room for God.

His ways are all prosperous; he looks haughtily.
Your laws are far from him; he sneers at each foe.
He says to himself, There’s nought that will shake me;
I’ll always be glad and no trouble I’ll know.

His mouth's full of curses, of lies and of threats;
Beneath his tongue, trouble and evil they lay.
Near villages, watching, he secretly waits
To ambush and slaughter his innocent prey.

A lion, he lies there, the weak are his haul;
He catches the weak, drags them off in his net.
His victims are crushed, by his strength they all fall.
He says to himself, God can’t see, he’ll forget.

Arise, Lord! Lift your hand. The helpless recall.
O God, why do sinners mock so readily?
Why say to himself, To account he won't call?
But, O God, their trouble and grief you do see.

You weigh it all up and you take it in hand.
The victim commits himself only to you;
Those who have no fathers, you help them to stand.
The arm of the sinner, the evil, break, do.

Call him now to explain his great wickedness,
Yes, all of the things that he'd secretly planned.
The Lord's King forever and ever, no less;
The nations will all soon expire from his land.

You hear, O Lord, what the afflicted request;
You comfort them and when they cry, yes, you hear,
Defending the orphan and he who's oppressed,
So that man, who’s of earth, may frighten no more.

20070728

Psalm 9

Montgomery

Wholehearted my praise, O Lord, to you I’ll bring;
Of all your great wonders I’ll tell, this my cry.
I’ll be glad, rejoicing in you as I sing;
I’ll sing praise to your name, O to you Most High.

My enemies turn back, they stumble and flee.
They die, for my right and my cause you’ve upheld;
You've sat on your throne and you've judged righteously,
Rebuked all the nations, the wicked expelled.

You've blotted their name out now and evermore.
Endless is the ruin in which they collapsed,
Their cities uprooted by you, they’re no more;
And even their memory by now has elapsed.

The Lord reigns forever, his rule has no end,
For judgement his throne he's established, now see.
In righteousness, judgement on this world he'll send;
The peoples he'll govern in truth faithfully.

The Lord is a refuge for all the oppressed,
A stronghold in times when great troubles do shake.
Those who know your name will all yet in you trust,
For those, Lord, who seek you, you'll never forsake.

Sing praise to the Lord who's enthroned on Mount Zi’n,
Proclaim among nations what he has done yet.
He does not ignore the afflicted who pine,
For he who avenges their blood won’t forget.

O Lord, see my foes, how they persecute me!
Have mercy and me from the gates of death raise,
That here in the gates of Zi'n's daughter I'll be
Glad in your salvation, declaring your praise.

The nations are sunk in the pit they've prepared;
Their feet have been caught in the net they have hidd’n.
By their own hands' work are the wicked ensnared;
The Lord he is known by the justice he’s giv’n.

The wicked return to the grave in the end,
All lands that forget to keep God in their eye.
The needy won't always be left out of mind,
Nor will the oppressed see their hope ever die.

Arise now, O Lord, let not man's way prevail;
Let nations be judged in your presence, amen.
Strike them now with terror, O Lord, do not fail,
Let all of the nations know they are but men.

20070727

Psalm 8



Stockport (Yorkshire)


Lord, our Lord, O how splendid is your name,
In all the whole wide earth how great your fame.
Above the heavens, your majesty you show.
Because of opposition from the foe,
From babes and children's lips, praise you ordained,
The foe and the avenger, you restrained.

When in the heavens your fingers' work I trace,
The moon and stars which you have set in place.
What is a man, so mindful you're of him?
Why do you care so for the son of man?
Only below the angels he's been placed,
But with a crown of glory, he's been graced.

Over your hands' works given rule to wield -
All flocks and herds and beasts out in the field,
All placed beneath his feet by your decree -
Birds of the air, beasts, fish that swim the sea.
 Lord, our Lord, O how splendid is your name,
In all the whole wide earth how great your fame.

20070724

Psalm 7

Toulon

O Lord my God, I hide myself in you;
Save and deliver from those who pursue,
Or, like a lion, my soul they will tear,
Rip me to pieces, with no-one to care.

O Lord my God, if guilt at my door lays -
If I’ve robbed foe, or friend my act betrays -
Let foes pursue, o’ertake me, as is just,
Trample my life down, make me sleep in dust.

Arise, O Lord, in wrath my foes confound,
Awake, my God and justice now decree.
Let the assembled peoples gather round,
Lord, from on high, their Ruler you must be.

O Lord, judge people; O Most High, judge me,
Lord, judge my soundness and integrity.
O righteous God, men's minds and hearts you see.
Give cru’l men death, the just security.

God The Most High, the one who is my shield,
The upright heart he surely saves always.
God is a righteous judge, it is revealed,
Day after day his wrath he does express.

If he does not relent, he’ll hone his sword;
He’ll take and bend and then he’ll string his bow.
His deadly weapons he has had prepared;
All ready are his flaming shafts to go.

He who is pregnant with such vile intent,
Trouble conceives, bears disillusionment.
Who digs a hole and scoops it with a spade
Falls in the pit which he himself has made.

The trouble caused upon himself recoils;
In his own violence he himself embroils.
I'll thank the Lord for his own righteousness,
The Lord's name - God Most High, I'll sing, I’ll praise.

20070723

Psalm 6

Melita

O Lord in wrath rebuke me not,
Nor in your anger chasten me.
Show mercy, Lord, for I am faint;
Lord heal my bones from agony.
My soul's affliction don't prolong,
How long, O Lord; O Lord, how long?

Return, O Lord, make me anew;
Through your unfailing love, O save.
A dead man won't remember you,
Who gives you praises from the grave?
Worn out from groaning, I can't sleep,
All night I flood my bed and weep.

All night my couch with tears I soak
Because of these my heavy woes.
My eyes with sorrow they grow weak;
They fail because of all my foes.
All who do evil, leave this place,
The Lord has heard my weeping cries.

The Lord has heard my cry for grace;
The Lord accepts my prayers that rise.
All who oppose me he'll disgrace,
They'll be dismayed who me despise;
In sudden shame they're turned away.
Amen. So may it be, I say.

20070721

Extra verses

Bringing in the sheaves

There were 12 disciples
Jesus called to help him
Simon Peter, Andrew,
James, his brother John.
Philip, Thomas, Matthew,
James the son of Alphaeus,
Thaddeus, Simon, Judas
And Bartholomew.

He has called us too (2)
To be his disciples;
Me and you and you.
He has called us too (2)
To be his disciples;
We his work must do.

(The above is not original but these are my two additional verses)

Peter always spoke first,
James and John were eager.
Peter's brother's Andrew,
Thomas he had doubts.
Philip brought Barthol'mew,
Matthew left his tax booth,
Simon was a zealot,
Judas proved untrue.

Foxes have their fox-holes,
The birds all have a nest
But for Jesus, how true,
There’s nowhere to rest.
Preach him, though we're so few,
Seeking first his kingdom,
Keep your eyes on Jesus,
Serve him and stay true.

Psalm 5

Gounod

Hear my words, Lord, see my sighing,
Hear my prayer for help; draw near.
God, my King, to you I’m crying,
Lord, my voice each morn you hear.
I before you lay my plea
And I wait expectantly.

You take no delight in evil;
Wicked men with you can’t stay.
From his face he drives proud people;
You hate all who go astray.
You destroy those who tell lies;
Cheats and murderers you despise.

But by mercy, I’ll find entrance,
I will come into your house,
Bow towards your shrine in reverence,
Lead, O Lord, in righteousness -
Make your way run straight for me,
Save me from each enemy.

You can’t trust a word they’re saying,
With destruction their hearts filled.
Open graves their throats, tongues lying,
Be their guilt, O God, declared!
May they fall by what they planned,
Rebels for their great sins banned.

All who find in you a shelter,
Let them ever sing for joys.
Spread your wing o'er them, Protector,
Those who love your name, rejoice.
Surely, Lord, the good you bless,
Like a shield around, your grace.

Metrical Lord's Prayer

CM (Crimond)

Our Father who is in the heav'n
May your name hallowed be.
Your kingdom come, your will be done,
On earth as is in heav'n.

Today our daily bread give us,
Forgive our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass,
Who trespass against us.

Lead us not into temptation;
Deliver us from sin,
Deliver from the evil one
So may it be. Amen.

[The kingdom it belongs to you
And yours is all the pow'r
And yours be all the glory too
For ever and fore'er.]

Psalm 4

CM
When I to you make my address,
My righteous God, then hear.
Give me relief from my distress,
Show mercy, hear my prayer.

For how long, you people, will you,
With scorn my glory treat?
How long false gods will you pursue?
How long love such deceit?

Know that the Lord has set apart
His servant to his care;
The Lord will hear, when I impart
To him my earnest prayer.

When you are angry, do not sin;
In bed, searched hearts be stilled.
Right sacrifices make to him,
With trust in God be filled.

Now many ask, ‘O who can show
A thing that's good to us?’
So turn, O Lord, and let us know
Light shining from your face.

Lord, when grain and new wine abound,
My heart with joy be filled.
Through you alone is safety found
Laid down in peace, I sleep.

20070720

Hymn Sowing Reaping

7676D

Who sows to please the Spirit?
Who seeks to do what’s right?
Who’ll reap a harvest from it?
Who’ll see eternal light?
See that you don’t grow weary,
See you do good to all,
See where the Lord will soon be,
Wait for the trumpet call.

Who sows to please his nature?
Who’s learned to live a lie?
Who’s that without a future?
Who’s that condemned to die?
How many times just wasted?
How come you’re not afraid?
How many good things tasted?
Wait 'til the day you’re paid.

Who laughs at resurrection?
Who says he can’t see why?
Who thinks he’ll miss destruction?
Who thinks he’ll never die?
So soon God’s scythe must scatter,
So soon the flocks divide,
So soon his hammer shatter,
Then Christ will take his Bride.

Psalm 3

Martyrdom

O Lord, how many are my foes!
Against me many rise!
Concerning me the crowds suppose:
‘His God no help supplies.’

But you’re my glory, shielded round,
My head you lift, Lord, high.
He answers from his holy mound,
The Lord to whom I cry.

I lie down, sleep; I wake again -
Because the Lord supplied.
I will not fear ten thousand men
Drawn up on ev’ry side.

Arise, O Lord! My God save me!
Strike my foes on the jaw;
O break the teeth of those there be
Who break your holy law.

The source of all deliverance
It is the Lord alone.
Now may blessings in abundance
Be by your people known.

20070719

Hymn 10 Commandments


Stenka Rezin

God has given ten great commandments,
Here his will for us is seen.
But we’ve not shown him obedience,
O Lord Jesus make us clean!

Worship God; in his own way;
And show rev’rence for his name;
Keep to God, each week, one day;
At your parents’ honour aim.

Do not kill; avoid adultery;
Do not steal; and do not lie;
Do not covet or be greedy -
Hear the Law of God Most High.

What does God require, then, from you?
Love the Lord with all your heart
And then love your neighbour too,
Without grace you cannot start.

Psalm 2

St George's Windsor

Why do nations scheme and plan,
Why do peoples plot in vain?
Kings of earth rise as one man
Altogether those who reign,
To oppose the Lord most high,
And resist Messiah’s sway,
‘Let us break their chains!’ they cry,
‘We will cast their bonds away’.

He who sits in heaven will laugh,
How the Lord will scoff, he'll jeer,
Then rebuke them in his wrath
And in anger make them fear.
This is his word to all,
‘I've installed my King to reign,
Here on Zion, holy hill,
My Anointed I maintain.’

His decree I will proclaim:
Just to me the Lord did say,
‘You're my Son; this is your name,
I’m your Father from today.
Ask of me, and I will make
You the heir to nations all.
With an iron sceptre break,
Dash them into pieces small!’

Therefore, kings, be wise, give ear!
Listen rulers of the earth!
Serve the Lord with godly fear;
Mingle trembling with your mirth;
Kiss his Son, his wrath avoid,

For his wrath can quickly flare.
On the way don't be destroyed,
Bless'd are all who seek his care.

20070718

Hymn Prophet Priest King

CM

A song of praise to Christ let’s sing
Exalt him with this hymn.
Christ is the Prophet, Priest and King
For all who come to him.

Christ is the Prophet sent to preach
And show the will of God.
I’m ignorant, but he can teach
Me through his holy Word.

Christ is the Priest who died for sin
And now prays for our needs.
I’m lost, I’m guilty, but for him,
Unless he intercedes.

Christ is the King who from on high
Rules and defends his own.
I’m weak, I’m helpless, I must cry
To Jesus on his throne.

Psalm 1

St Petersburg

Bless'd is the one who does not walk
Where wicked ones would guide his feet,
Or stand in sinners’ ways to talk,
Or sit down in the mockers’ seat.
The Lord's own law is his delight,
His meditation day and night.

But like a strong and fruitful tree
That grows where water streams are seen,
As seasons change, its fruit we see
And all its leaves are ever green.
In all to which they put their mind
Prosperity their bound to find!

Not so the wicked! They are all
Like chaff the wind blows far away.
The wicked at the judgement fall,
Lost sinners with the Just can’t stay.
The Lord the righteous' way he knows;
The wicked’s way he overthrows!