Published on
December 22, 2020
Video length
1 mins

This setting of Psalm 8 was composed and submitted by Josh Rodriguez. It is a musical response to the opening lines of this psalm.

Psalm 8

How does this psalm piece interpret the psalm? 
In the 16th century, Louis Bourgeois contributed many simple yet elegant tunes to John Calvin’s Psalter. I wrote this solo cello piece as both a personal meditation on Psalm 8 as well as a musical meditation on the Genevan Psalter’s tune for Psalm 8. “Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic” is an invitation to ponder what the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins referred to as the “dearest freshness deep down things” of God. 

As an instrumental work that celebrates the majesty and creative power of God, it can be used as a musical response to a sermon on Psalm 8 (as a time for congregants to reflect on the preached Word) or as prelude/offertory music in a service with this theme. This work moves beyond a mere arrangement of the Genevan psalm tune to become a new work appropriate for use in a liturgical or concert setting. 

Text and Music: Psalm 8; Josh Rodriguez, © 2016 Josh Rodriguez  
Used by permission. 
Contact: Josh Rodriguez, josh.rodriguez.music@gmail.com 

 

Recent Media Resources

Video Cultural Diversity Faith Formation
Bilingual Korean-English Songs for Congregational Singing

Songs from the people of Korea can deeply enrich your liturgy whether you have Korean-speaking members in your congregation or not. This workshop will introduce a variety of bilingual Korean-English songs that have been newly translated in the past few years as well as strategies to lead them effectively in your own worshiping context. 

September 14, 2026 | 70 min video
Video Cultural Diversity En Español
Dreams Realized: Stories from Hispanic Worshiping Communities

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.  

September 14, 2026 | 67 min video
Video Faith Formation Leadership
We Need a Plan! Worship Planning 101

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. 

September 14, 2026 | 76 min video