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© 2026 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
This setting of Psalm 89:1–18 was written and submitted by Ken Michell. It focuses on God’s covenant community praising him for his love and faithfulness.
Psalm 89
How does this psalm piece interpret the psalm?
The first 18 verses of Psalm 89 are a declaration of praise to God who calls his people into covenant relationship with God. God reaches out to us in order to make a way for us to reach out to God. We experience God’s love when God reaches out to us. And God is always true to God’s love for us (faithfulness). Worship begins with God, who reaches out to us. “For God so loved the world that he gave . . .”—this is where worship begins.
In saying this, we’re admitting that worship doesn’t begin with us. We don’t “start” worship when we gather on Sunday morning or Wednesday night. We join worship that is ongoing. Psalm 89:1–18 reminds us that the beautiful work of worship is already underway, in heaven and on earth. And it began when God reached out in love and faithfulness.
Psalm 89:14 says, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you” (NIV). The way of God’s kingdom (founded upon God’s righteousness and justice) is the way of love and faithfulness. God’s love and faithfulness are the arms that reach out to us from the body of God’s righteousness and justice. The full embrace of God draws us into the pursuit of God’s righteousness and justice. The full embrace of God in worship forms and reforms us as God’s covenant family, the church.
This psalm setting invites us to read, pray, and sing Psalm 89:1–18, where we are reminded that we are formed as God’s people through worship that declares God’s love and faithfulness. When we bless God, we are blessed. Refrain:
“I will sing of your great love now and ever;
With my mouth I will declare your faithfulness.
In your promise I am formed, in your covenant restored,
O bless the Lord forever, Amen.”
This psalm setting would fit well during a time of praise (declaring God’s love and faithfulness) and/or response (calling us to love and faithfulness, to be formed and restored as God’s covenant people who are loving and faithful).
Text and Music: Psalm 89:1–18; Ken Michell, © 2020 Ken Michell
Used by permission.
Contact: Ken Michell, kenmichell@gmail.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
