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Psalm 85, “Grant Us Your Peace, Lord,” submitted by Yongjiang Zhou, was written by Jacques Berthier and focuses on peace.
Psalm 85
How does this psalm piece interpret the psalm?
The setting of “Grant Us Your Peace, Lord” is an ostinato refrain with descant singing the central themes of Psalm 85:8–13. Psalm 85 is the prayer of an ancient faith community in crisis. The refrain has only two bars with a harmonic progression of I-II2 (D–Em2). This is an open progression, ending on dissonant harmonies (Em2—seventh chords). It seems to express the struggle of Israelites after their exile, praying to God to grant them peace again.
Whether in the pursuit of racial justice or in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the deep yearning of people is for peace, the hoped-for state of humankind from ancient to modern times. In a message for today, the psalmist tells us that we need to hear God’s precious Word, fear God, and not abuse God’s grace by turning back to sin, instead walking away from sin. Then we will have true peace. True peace is not only an external environment, but a state of mind—a complete, whole, and healthy sense of security, happiness, and contentment based on a good and right relationship with God. The repeated chant of the believer—“Peace, Lord” —reinforces the faith of the community that God will give peace to God’s people and to all who seek him. Although the devil is the great destroyer, he constantly brings disharmony to the universe. But God has brought peace and harmony to the world. In this passage, the four qualities of God—love and faithfulness, peace and righteousness—come together, and then, like a victorious general, they march side by side toward victory, which is the sure hope of God's people (McClure). This harmony and peace derives from the redemption given to us through the work of the Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross, and is perfected in the last ages, when all creation shall be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God (Rom. 8:21).
Bellinger, W H. "Commentary on Psalm 85:8-13." Working Preacher from Luther Seminary. Last modified July 12, 2009. https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-15-2/commentary-on-psalm-858-13-4.
Donovan, Richard N. "Psalm 85 Commentary." Sermon Writer. Last modified April 9, 2019. https://sermonwriter.com/psalm-85-commentary/.
McClure, Amy R. "Sermon P 85: 8-13 “Let Us Hear” ." First Baptist Church on Fifth. Last modified , 2018.
Use on the tenth Lord’s Day after Pentecost of Year A (2020) as a response to the first reading (1 Kings 19:9–18) or sing in a prayer meeting for peace or in a Taizé prayer service.
Text: ancient prayer
Music: Melchoir Franck, 1597-1639, arr. Jacques Berthier © 1998 Ateliers et Presses de Taizé, admin. GIA Publications, Inc.
All rights reserved. OneLicense.net A-703303.
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.
