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How does this psalm piece interpret the psalm?
This psalm piece captures the whole of Psalm 13, which is a classic form of prayer. The psalmist honestly voices desperation with four questions of “How long?”. Then comes three petitions with three reasons. The most important part is the turning point of verse 5 when the psalmist chooses to trust in God’s covenantal love, so it forms the song’s hook line. Because the psalmist has received light for his eyes and, though circumstances have not changed, trusts deeply in God’s love, the psalmist is still able to sing the song of salvation with joy. We often use a minor key to express sadness or pain, but this melody uses octaves and the pentatonic scale to express the psalmist’s emotions. The dance interpretation of this psalm piece enriches the expression with another form of art. The black-and-white video highlights the psalm’s lament. The dancer’s postures and movements express the psalmist’s movement from lament to petition to trust. This psalm piece helps us to learn how to honestly voice out our cries and desperation before God and to express our deep faith and trust in God in the face of traumatic events and grief.
English Translation:
How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long must I bear pain in my soul,
and have sorrow in my heart all day long?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
O Lord, please do not ever leave me,
Consider and answer me, O Lord my God!
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,
and my enemy will say, “I have prevailed”;
my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.
But I trusted in Your steadfast love;
which is a love of covenant and will never change.
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation
For I belong to You and I will turn my eyes upon You.
But I trust in Your steadfast love;
Though my wearies and trials have not been changed,
I will sing to You, because You have dealt bountifully with me
and I will rejoice in You my whole life.
This contemporary song is to be sung in Cantonese (a tonal language). This song is suitable for singing as a prayer to express our trust to God in any situation, as we remember God’s grace. It is also appropriate for singing during Lent or when the congregation is facing severe grief and sorrow.
Text: Psalm 13; Yvette Lau
A podcast from Calvin University featuring thoughtful leaders discussing key topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the context of Christian life and witness.
Come and join a conversation with knowledgeable and experienced preachers and worship planners as we talk about our best practices for Holy Week worship planning. Bring your questions and ideas as we share and learn together.
Music and prayer are prominent elements in worship liturgy. How does the culture of the worship community influence these worship practices? How should we engage culture and yet be countercultural in our practice of music and prayer? Engage with this panel from four continents as we explore how cultural values form and inform worship practices.
A podcast from Calvin University featuring thoughtful leaders discussing key topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the context of Christian life and witness.
Come and join a conversation with knowledgeable and experienced preachers and worship planners as we talk about our best practices for Holy Week worship planning. Bring your questions and ideas as we share and learn together.
Music and prayer are prominent elements in worship liturgy. How does the culture of the worship community influence these worship practices? How should we engage culture and yet be countercultural in our practice of music and prayer? Engage with this panel from four continents as we explore how cultural values form and inform worship practices.
Congregations, pastors, and parents/caregivers have many opportunities to join together in worship and prayer practices that more intentionally engage children and help them come to know and love God and grow in faith together. Panelists will discuss ways to intentionally create intergenerational community in which people of all ages, including children, are welcomed as full participants whose participation enriches the community and gives praise to God.
