Using today's psalm
Psalm 1
How shall we live?
Like this…The image of the tree planted by streams of water is both beautiful and powerful. Not only is there refreshment and growth, but a tree stands flourishing for all to see. In contrast, people who are not rooted in God’s law are simply blown over and scattered by the wind.
The image of roots and growth is an active one, because we are called not to be sinless and static but to take risks, to refuse things that won’t do us good, to make God’s way our way. That way we will become the people God wants us to be, able to stand firm when the wind blows – and at this time of the year that’s another image for the second coming of Christ.
Singing together
How to use the psalms in worship.
Response line: Happy are they who trust in the Lord.
Happy
Hands moving in opposite circular movements clap as they meet.
are they
Hands sweep outwards.
who trust
Strike left open palm with side of right flat hand (like a blade), then right palm with left blade.
in the Lord.
2 index fingers point upwards.
Versions of Psalm 1 can be found in PFTP, PAME, PRA and MCW1.