Summary

2019 Calvin Symposium on Worship | Workshop

Listen Online

Details


WORKSHOP


What does it mean for any of us as one person—a person with particular quirks and gifts and blind spots—to offer the prayers of the people? How do we voice prayers that move toward generosity without sliding into the generic? How do we craft prayers that offer up our firstfruits as writers or orators without letting them become showy? How do we pray without furthering or ignoring the divisions that run through our congregations? This workshop weighs these questions as well as explores some provisions for the person called upon to pray on behalf of all God’s people.

Recent Media Resources

What Visual Artists See in the Psalms

The psalms present a world full of color, texture, and depth. Join us for this panel discussion in which participants explore the contribution of visual artists to our experience of the psalms. What do visual artists see when they approach the psalms? How can visual artists help form our theological imaginations? What role do the visual arts play in interpretation? This stimulating discussion aims to equip worshipers and leaders with resources for engaging the rich visual imagery of the psalms. 

May 28, 2026 | 90 min video
Local Songwriting as CSA: Support Your Local Psalm Grower!

Riffing on the themes of community-supported agriculture (CSA), Cardiphonia and Bellwether Arts have been partnering with homegrown liturgical artists to create local, organically produced fruits of the psalms through song, art, and prayer—community-supported artistry. Since 2015 they’ve been on a journey of seasonal engagement through which they have lovingly harvested almost two hundred songs, dozens of original artworks, and other liturgical produce. In this workshop you will hear from a variety of growers who sow and reap in West Michigan in various soils and sediments.

May 28, 2026 | 81 min video
Practicing Resilience with the Psalms

The psalms are a rich resource for our human experience of emotions, community, and connection to God. We will practice activities based on the truth of the psalms and on psychology to strengthen our capacity for navigating suffering with grace and resilience.

May 21, 2026 | 74 min video