Using today's psalm

Psalm 29

There is a huge contrast between the alternative response line and the text of the psalm today. From the description, the voice of the Lord brings anything but peace, and yet, we have just been celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace, God’s beloved Son, whose baptism is marked by a voice from heaven, where God sits enthroned over all.

God’s power comes across loud and clear in this psalm, which could be proclaimed by a group, splitting up the lines, some solo, some together – it is a really dramatic text that would set the scene for today’s Gospel reading.

Singing together

How to use the psalms in worship.

Response line: The voice of the Lord is upon the waters.

The voice
Index finger moves out from mouth.

of the Lord
2 index fingers point upwards.

is upon the waters.  
Flat hand, palm downwards, make wavy movement.

Versions of Psalm 29 include:

‘Bring your tributes’ (SFP)

‘The voice which shakes the earth’ (SGP).

Key to abbreviations for hymn book titles