Published on
December 17, 2020
Video length
4 mins

This is a multilingual setting of Psalm 117 submitted by Paul Neeley. It was composed by Paul Neeley and Josh Davis.

Psalm 117

How does this psalm piece interpret the psalm? 
Psalm 117 has been my life’s direction-setting passage for many years, with a clarion call for all people groups to worship the Lord. In this song, languages used include English, Hebrew, Kiswahili, Portuguese, Korean, Spanish, and French. All the language phrases mean “Praise the Lord!” A Native American flute is also used in addition to global percussion, though those are not necessary to use the song in a church service. Psalm 117 is as significant today as it was thousands of years ago, calling all the “ethne” to praise the Lord for God’s love and faithfulness. We should say or sing this short psalm continually. 

To use this song at a church, keep the “Hallelujah” in Hebrew as presented here and ask people in your congregation to sing the phrase in their languages. You do not need to use six in a single service! The idea is to have a few multilingual phrases and melodic phrases that interlock in a pleasing manner.

Text and Music: Psalm 145; Paul Neeley and Josh Davis, © Paul Neeley and Josh Davis  
Used by permission. Creative Commons.  
Contact: Paul Neeley, paulneeley@gmail.com; Josh Davis, jd@proskuneo.org 

 

Recent Media Resources

Video Faith Formation Preaching
How to Preach and Hear the Psalms

A workshop which shows participants how to preach genre-conscious sermons from the book of Psalms. Attention will be given to historical, literary, and theological issues with the aim of improving hermeneutical, generical, and homiletical practice. Participants, including hearers of sermons, will expand their knowledge of the psalms as a genre, develop genre-conscious forms and structures, and cultivate new strategies for homiletical practice.

June 23, 2026 | 82 min video
Video Cultural Diversity Psalms/Scripture
Psalms for Every Tribe and Tongue

Drawing inspiration from Revelation 7:9, Terry and Darlene Wildman will lead this workshop exploring how the First Nations Version: Psalms speaks into—and flows out from—the hearts of Indigenous North American cultures today through storytelling, songs, and interactive activities. Participants will experience how these ancient prayers continue to inspire worship that celebrates cultural diversity and unity in Creator’s Sacred Family.

June 4, 2026 | 79 min video
Video Music/Song Psalms/Scripture
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