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How does this psalm piece interpret the psalm?
Psalm 18 is an exuberant testimony of how God “reached down” to rescue and deliver one who cried out in distress to God: “I was attacked, . . . but God rescued me,” and the triumphant refrain: “O Lord, my strength, I love you, God, my rock.” This most popular psalm in Pakistan is especially beloved by the small and often poor Christian minority there; many are illiterate, but most know this long psalm by heart and sing it frequently. In 2009, Emily Brink heard this sung at a youth group meeting, in a church, and at a worship conference, each time sung from memory—and this is a long psalm! She was hosted by Rev. Eric Sarwar, a Presbyterian pastor who was attacked later that year. In 2010, his parents and wife were attacked as well. They took comfort in this psalm praising God’s providence, safety, power, deliverance, and kindness. Sarwar wrote: “In our context of living below the poverty line and facing discrimination and hard challenges every day, it gives hope and encouragement.” The melody is simple and catchy, and the refrain soars with joy. Eric Sarwar and Emily Brink prepared this setting as a testimony of hope for the faithfulness of God, who hears the cries of those who call out for help and deliverance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the whole world is crying out to God for deliverance and hope, this psalm offers continuing hope and encouragement.
The striking imagery in Psalm 18 of God’s work in lifting up the lowly and casting down enemies resemble the canticles of Hannah and Mary. Consider singing as a testimony when preaching on the life of David (see 2 Sam. 22); in praise of Christ’s victory over sin and death; and in solidarity and hope with any who continue to cry out to God for deliverance.
Text and Music: Psalm 18; Eric Sarwar; English tr. Emily Brink, © Eric Sarwar and Emily Brink
In this panel, Hispanic pastors share the learnings and experiences lived by their congregations after completing projects related to the development of their understanding and practices about worship. Together, they represent a variety of Hispanic denominations as well as of "dreams" they were able to realize (learning about the Creeds, bilingual worship, multigenerational worship, worship in non-traditional settings). Their congregations were part of the first cohort of Hispanic congregations receiving "worship grants" under a new initiative CICW launched in July of 2022.
What basic models for worship planning are out there, and which patterns will work best in your context? Join a lively discussion of several worship planning models by the authors and pastors who use them. Bring your questions and suggestions as we learn together.
Join us after the University worship service (chapel) for a conversation with worship leader Kimberly Williams. We will explore topics related to worship leading and planning for diverse congregations, leading teams, songwriting and recording, and mentoring women in ministry.
In this panel, Hispanic pastors share the learnings and experiences lived by their congregations after completing projects related to the development of their understanding and practices about worship. Together, they represent a variety of Hispanic denominations as well as of "dreams" they were able to realize (learning about the Creeds, bilingual worship, multigenerational worship, worship in non-traditional settings). Their congregations were part of the first cohort of Hispanic congregations receiving "worship grants" under a new initiative CICW launched in July of 2022.
What basic models for worship planning are out there, and which patterns will work best in your context? Join a lively discussion of several worship planning models by the authors and pastors who use them. Bring your questions and suggestions as we learn together.
Join us after the University worship service (chapel) for a conversation with worship leader Kimberly Williams. We will explore topics related to worship leading and planning for diverse congregations, leading teams, songwriting and recording, and mentoring women in ministry.
In this session Terry Wildman will share the vision, process, and outcomes of the First Nations Version (FNV) New Testament. Why was this translation needed? Who was involved in the translation? What were some of the cultural challenges faced by the translation council? What does it say about the translations done in Native languages in the past? How did the translation council decide on more than 185 key words and terms? What are some of the unique qualities of the FNV versus other English versions? How has the FNV affected the worship expressions of some Native believers? What is the future of the FNV?
