This podcast looks at the connections between spirituality and resilience through the lens of the Biblical Psalms. It explores how the Psalms help people through difficult times – times of personal and collective trauma – through conversations about personal story, field research, and theological reflection from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. Listeners might include clergy, seminarians, spiritual directors, hymnwriters, church musicians, mental health practitioners, anyone intere ...
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalm of the Week: Banks of the Nile/Psalm 106
6:23
6:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:23
Recounting the story of the Exodus of the Hebrew people from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, this song is set to the English tune ‘The Snow it Melts the Soonest’ proclaims God’s compassion despite the people’s continued rebellion and doubt. Telling the tale plainly and with a slightly ominous tone, this Psalm invites us to confess our own pr…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalm of the Week: Praise the Lord All the Earth/Psalm 104
6:29
6:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:29
This Psalm praises the God of creation and is based on an old version of the air ‘Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn,’ rediscovered by singer Pádraigin Ní Uallacháin, which marks the arrival of summer. It moves through various aspects of the natural world, considering how God is behind it all, and as the Psalm concludes, we are led into thankfulness fo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalm of the Week: Bless the Lord, O My Soul/Psalm 103
4:51
4:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:51
This Psalm is sung to the air ‘I Wish My Love was a Red, Red Rose,’ and praises God’s compassion and mercy. A song that is sweet and simple in some ways also explores the theme of forgiveness (“far as the east is from the west, so far God removes our sins”) and the finitude of our lives (“though all our days are like the grass that flourishes, then…
…
continue reading
This Psalm tells the story of one who is ill in mid-life and of the particular struggles of that experience. It is joined here with Irish words of the original song ‘Taim cortha o bheith im’Aonar mo lui,’ and the refrain “I am weary from being alone.” Both the Psalm and the Irish song contend with grief, loneliness, and the depth of life’s sorrows,…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalm of the Week: Sing to the Lord/Psalm 98, 99, 100
6:15
6:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:15
‘Willy Taylor’ is the inspiration for this song of praise to a steadfast God. The Psalm tells the story of the Exodus, of the Hebrew people’s liberation from slavery, and of the joyful thanksgiving through which we can sing a new song, with the accompaniment of musical instruments and along with the rest of creation. You can find lyrics, scores/boo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalm of the Week: All Who Dwell in the Shelter/Psalm 91
7:41
7:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:41
A prayer of protection for a loved one, this Psalm makes the hopeful claim that God will provide ultimate redemption from the evils that threaten us. Set to the Irish tune ‘Dearthairin Ó Mo Chroí,’ it is a fervent prayer for safety, despite the perils of this world, and it expresses a faith that in the end, God will protect us in a way that this li…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalm of the Week: From Dust We Came/Psalm 90
8:36
8:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:36
A Psalm of recognition of the fragility of life as well as God’s eternal nature. Combined here with the Irish traditional song ‘Casadh an t’Súgain,’ it broaches the subject of how we might live with “wise hearts,” recognizing that from dust we came and to dust we return. Importantly, this paraphrase emphasizes that we return to God ~ our maker, to …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalm of the Week: God of My Salvation/Psalm 88
7:15
7:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:15
A Psalm of abandonment, full of questions without any attempt at resolution, this Psalm presents a heart-rending, honest portrayal of someone in the midst of deep difficulty. Combined with the lamenting tones of the Irish tune ‘Bean Dubh a Ghleanna,’ this song holds a space for the most forsaken experiences of humanity, while continuing to retain a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalm of the Week: Love is Lord of All/Psalm 86
6:34
6:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:34
The haunting melody ‘My Lagan Love’ accompanies this Psalm’s plea for the listening ear of the loving God who is “Lord of All,” words kept from the original lyrics by Joseph Campbell. This Psalm expresses lament from a place of weariness deepest longing to be saved from the grave, and turns to God for guidance on the way forward, recalling also God…
…
continue reading
Depicting a vision for what this world could be, this Psalm, set to the Scottish tune ‘Lovely Molly,’ imagines love and mercy (or truth or faithfulness, in other translations), justice and peace coming together to greet and kiss. This rendition of the Psalm continues to unfold that vision of the future as one in which God’s goodness and kindness ar…
…
continue reading
Set to the beautiful air ‘Carrickfergus,’ this Psalm depicts the pilgrimage of faith. It recounts the ways we can enter into God’s courts of dwelling, such as through the birds who sing their praise, or through the desert valley that becomes a place of flowing streams, and gain strength for our journey towards our heavenly home. You can find lyrics…
…
continue reading
This moving Psalm speaks of someone overwhelmed by the circumstances of life, who cries out for salvation and receives deliverance. Set to the tune ‘The Streets of Derry,’ it tells of the distress the psalmist is facing, the weariness from calling out, and the request for God’s face not to be hidden. The Psalm ultimately turns towards the hope that…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalm of the Week: May God Be Gracious/Psalm 67
5:39
5:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:39
The tune for this song is the Scottish air ‘Ae Fonde Kiss,’ and the Psalm acts as a benediction prayer. Asking God’s gracious blessing on all people and all nations, it also recalls God’s kindness and sustaining presence and asks for God’s face to shine on us all. You can find lyrics, scores/books, mp3s, CDs for May God Be Gracious on the Celtic Ps…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalm of the Week: Sing a Joyful Song/Psalm 66
6:30
6:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:30
Set to the Irish tune the Old Cross of Ardboe, this is a Psalm of joy and thanksgiving, having come through a trying time and experienced God’s listening ear, leading, and help. This is no trite expression of praise ~ it emerges out of a deep and real experience of God’s kindness and support, compassion and love, and ignites a genuine desire to giv…
…
continue reading
This Psalm, set to the tune Rathlin Island by Brian Connors, is written from the farthest oceans and the ends of earth and seeks a reminder of hope out of a place of despair. Wondering if God will listen when facing a difficult situation, and remembering God as Creator of the mountains and silencer of storms, the Psalmist takes strength in God’s gr…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalm of the Week: O God, You Are My God/Psalm 63
6:22
6:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:22
Written by Ireland’s great composer Turlough O’Carolan, Eleanor Plunkett is a cascading tune, set here to a Psalm of yearning and praise. It begins with longing like a “dry land,” acknowledging our deep desire to be in God’s presence, through which we can be “satisfied” as though our thirst is quenched. You can find lyrics, scores/books, mp3s, CDs …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalm of the Week: Hear My Cry, O God/Psalm 61
6:00
6:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:00
This arrangement, set to the wordless tune ‘Caisleán an Óir,’ portrays the urgency and energy with which the psalmist may have written these words. In this Psalm, we find numerous images of the various ways God can provide refuge and shelter for us when we feel we are at the “end of earth.” You can find lyrics, scores/books, mp3s, CDs for Hear My C…
…
continue reading
Telling the story of a person hurt by human relationship, this Psalm captures the desire to find shelter in the midst of turmoil. Exploring the concept of home being a place where our hearts can be at rest, this Psalm set to the moving Irish traditional melody Ned of the Hill, addresses that yearning we all have for a place where we can be truly ou…
…
continue reading
This Psalm is known for its messages about a clean heart, forgiveness, and a renewed spirit, and is often used during Lent. Set here with the Irish traditional tune Logan’s Lament, this paraphrase focuses on the imagery of a parent kindly and gently washing away the layers that “hide” us, or that cover up the God-given beauty each one of us possess…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalm of the Week: The God of Jacob/Psalm 46
7:13
7:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:13
The lyrical air ‘Dawning of the Day’ (Fáinne Geal an Lae) conveys this Psalm’s message of courage and hope. Through the imagery presented in this Psalm, we see mountains falling into the sea, and the world in upheaval ~ yet, we are also presented with the assuring image of a river that brings joy, and the message that we might be still and know tha…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalm of the Week: As the Deer Longs for Streams/Psalm 42
6:49
6:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:49
This psalm of longing is set to the relatively well-known traditional melody, ‘Down by the Salley Gardens.’ Its iconic imagery of the deer panting or longing for streams of water, as our souls thirst for God, leads us into this depiction of someone whose soul is “cast down” and needing to be reminded of something to hope in. You can find lyrics, sc…
…
continue reading
This prayer for strength, courage, and refuge during a time of distress is combined here with the Irish traditional song Spancilhill. The Psalm resolves by transitioning into a testament to God’s help in the past, and an encouragement to those in distress as it offers the words “May courage fill your hearts.” You can find lyrics, scores/books, mp3s…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalm of the Week: You Have Turned My Sorrow/Psalm 30
7:56
7:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:56
Proclaiming God’s power to transform sorrow into ‘dancing and song,’ this Psalm is sung to the uplifting Irish melody, “Green Grows the Laurel.” It’s a testament to coming through a time of sorrow and mourning, and finding dancing, song, and joy once again. You can find lyrics, scores/books, mp3s, CDs for You Have Turned My Sorrow on the Celtic Psa…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalm of the Week: The Lord is My Light/Psalm 27
7:04
7:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:04
The air ‘Down in Yon Banke’ is originally a wordless Scottish country dance song, and in this rendition becomes a prayer for God’s eternal presence, especially in times of turmoil and fear. The Psalm speaks of enemies stumbling and falling in the midst of raging war, and expresses that longing to behold God’s beauty and to see God’s face. You can f…
…
continue reading
In this Psalm of discernment, the writer expresses the longing to hear God’s guidance in the stillness of prayer. Set to the traditional Irish melody “For Ireland I’ll Not Tell Her Name,” this song sits with the longing to know how to walk in the right paths of truth and love. You can find lyrics, scores/books, mp3s, CDs for For I Wait on the Celti…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalm of the Week: The Lord's My Shepherd/Psalm 23
6:32
6:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:32
This beloved Psalm, describing God shepherding us through green pastures and dark valleys, is set to the well-known traditional Irish air ‘The Parting Glass.’ In this Psalm, we hear themes of restoration for our souls, accompaniment through challenging times, and the hope of a feast and a future of goodness and mercy. You can find lyrics, scores/bo…
…
continue reading
Set to the Irish air ‘Paddy’s Green Shamrock Shore,’ this song captures the lament of the Psalm while adding a drive and energy that brings to light the hope offered at its conclusion. This Psalm typically accompanies reflections on Good Friday, though it is an important accompaniment to any time in which we struggle with a sense of forsakenness. Y…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalm of the Week: The Heavens Declare/Psalm 19
7:24
7:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:24
This soaring Irish traditional melody, ‘The Lark in the Clear Air’ brings a lightness to this Psalm about God’s revelation in both creation and scripture. The words of the Psalm remind us that the skies tell a story of who God is, and teach us important things, without words. You can find lyrics, scores/books, mp3s, CDs for The Heavens Declare on t…
…
continue reading
These ancient words of lament, combined with a haunting medieval traditional Irish melody, express the human longing to see God’s face in times of sorrow. The original tune ‘The Lament of the Three Marys/Coaineadh na dTrí Muire’ depicts the three Marys’ cries of sorrow at the tomb of Jesus - a moving complement to this prayer expressing sorrow and …
…
continue reading
A Psalm of praise to the Creator of the wonders of nature, this Psalm also contains a call to action - that in our status “underneath the angels,” we need to take responsibility for caring for creation. Set to the Irish tune ‘Far, Far Beyond the Mountain,’ and through the slightly ominous tones of the arrangement, we hear anew the sobering reminder…
…
continue reading
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com The very first Psalm, set to the tune ‘Bán Chnoic Éirann Ó,’ speaks of following the “law” of God – and so we remember the greatest commandment: to love God, neighbor and self. When we grow in connection to this love, we can flourish and thrive like trees …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Awakening to our Belovedness, with Ruth Patterson [REVISITED]
47:59
47:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:59
Journey the Psalms with me in 2024… ***Introducing a new series with accompanying journal*** How do the Psalms speak into our lives? How can they help us get in touch with our deeper emotions, and to better understand ourselves? How can they lead us to live fuller, more honest, more authentic lives? What can they show us about who God is and who we…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep. 23 Imagining a Listener for our Deepest Selves, with Pádraig Ó Tuama
51:21
51:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:21
Today’s guest is Pádraig Ó Tuama, poet, theologian, host of On Being’s Poetry Unbound, and member and former leader of the Corrymeela Community. Pádraig doesn’t need much of an introduction, as his gifts for writing, and reading, and reading into poems have become widely known and admired. With his keen sense for the meaning behind a poem, his inte…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Holding the Adversity and the Joy, with Sara Cook [REVISITED]
47:56
47:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:56
[This podcast first aired in February 2021] Today’s conversation is with Sara Cook – a social worker who has worked in conflict response, peacebuilding and mediation in Northern Ireland and internationally for the past two decades. Sara and I are both Americans living in Northern Ireland and have become friends through being members of the Corrymee…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep. 22 Giving Language for our Pain and our Hallelujahs, with Edward Buri
41:17
41:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:17
TODAY’S GUEST is Edward Buri, Kenyan pastor, columnist, television host and founder of the Institute of Ethics and Youth Affairs. Along with pastoring a congregation within the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, Edward Buri writes a weekly column for one of the leading newspapers in Kenya, and hosts a program called “Hope TV,” which is the leading…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Psalms for the Spirit Ep. 21: Fighting Back Against the Storms of Life, with Martin Tel
50:51
50:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:51
FOR OUR FIRST EPISODE OF SEASON THREE, TODAY'S GUEST is Martin Tel, Director of Music at Princeton Theological Seminary. In his role at the seminary, he directs the choirs, plans and leads music in daily worship, and lectures in the area of church music. Martin was senior editor of the impressive musical compilation “Psalms for All Seasons,” in whi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep. 20 How Do We Pay Attention and Not Lose Hope? with Rebecca Dudley
47:41
47:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:41
FOR OUR FINAL EPISODE OF SEASON TWO, TODAY'S GUEST is Rebecca Dudley – ordained minister and advisor with the New Zealand Red Cross on legal frameworks protecting people in humanitarian emergencies, speaking in a personal capacity for this podcast. Here, we discuss her "Hope Project,” in which she explores the question: how do we pay attention with…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep. 19 Persistence as a Sign of Deep Faith, with Munther Isaac
41:17
41:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:17
TODAY'S GUEST is Munther Isaac - Palestinian theologian, Lutheran minister, author and academic. This holy week many of us will be thinking of the holy land as we journey towards Easter, and in this conversation we listen to a voice we don't often hear – the voice of a Palestinian Christian, reflecting here on the role of the Psalms in his own life…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep. 18 Awakening to our Belovedness, with Ruth Patterson
45:40
45:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:40
Today’s guest is Ruth Patterson – Presbyterian minister, writer, retreat leader - recognized internationally for her deep spiritual insight and her gently powerful work in peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. The organisation she founded and led for 30 years, “Restoration Ministries,” brings people together across community divides in Irel…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep. 17 Delivering us through the Pains of Life and Death, with John Bell
50:57
50:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:57
For some, Advent is a time of grief and loss. Today’s guest is John Bell – hymnwriter, author, and broadcaster and a guiding light from the Iona Community as he has for decades created resources for the global church in music, worship and spirituality, including his recent book Living with the Psalms. In this conversation we talk about how the Psal…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep. 16 Lament as a Sacred Act, with Peace Lee
56:54
56:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:54
Today’s guest is Peace Lee – spiritual director, preacher, and educator on decolonial and feminist perspectives. In this conversation, we reconnect over our mutual love for the Psalms: how they can be imprinted on our hearts and come to us when we need them most, how we can read them afresh as we consider new language for them, the importance of la…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep. 15 Hope is Stronger than Fear, with Denise Bradley
46:19
46:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:19
Today’s guest is Denise Bradley, an expert in trauma theory who has spent decades helping victims of violence find healing. I know Denise from her current work with Corrymeela in which she works with marginalized groups, particularly refugee and asylum seekers in Northern Ireland, and I wanted to learn more from Denise about how the theory of traum…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep. 14 Listening in the Silence for What is True, with Brother Thierry
44:08
44:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:08
Today’s guest is Brother Thierry, a French Benedictine monk who is based at the Holy Cross Monastery in Northern Ireland. I was delighted when Bro. Thierry agreed to talk with me about the Benedictine rhythm of prayer, which includes a swift cycle of daily Psalm singing. In this conversation, we talk about finding happiness in a life of prayer, abo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep. 13 Transformed by Grief into Agents of Change, with Sunder John Boopalan
54:41
54:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:41
Today's guest is Sunder John Boopalan, a professor specializing in political theology and ethics, with a personal focus on Dalit theology and social justice. Along the same lines as the prominent book "Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson, John has written a powerful book called "Memory, Grief and Agency," in which he highlights the marginalization of the Da…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep. 12 Breaking the Silence about Mental Illness, with Sarah Griffith Lund
46:18
46:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:18
Today's guest is Sarah Griffith Lund, a minister and author who has focused her life's work on breaking the silence about mental illness. With her generous and gracious spirit, Sarah talks me through the stark realities of mental illness today, made even more extreme because of the pandemic, and how the themes of the Psalms speak to that life exper…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep. 11 Loved in Our Unfixed State, with Paul Hutchinson
54:22
54:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:22
Today’s guest is Paul Hutchinson, mediator, therapist, author and brilliant storyteller. A former Director of the Corrymeela Peace and Reconciliation Centre, Paul has distilled his memories and learnings from that time in his delightful book “Between the Bells.” In this episode, Paul shares about his spiritual journey from seaching teenager to refl…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep. 10 Leaning into the Cycles of Darkness and Light, with Barbara Brown Taylor
52:42
52:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:42
Today’s guest is Barbara Brown Taylor – author, speaker, Episcopal priest, retired professor, and all-around-delightful person. Barbara Brown Taylor has long been a highly regarded preacher, and she has written a number of compelling books on the spiritual life, including Altar in the World, Holy Envy, and Learning to Walk in the Dark. In this conv…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep. 9 Speaking to Each Other Across Our Depths, with Avivah Zornberg
55:05
55:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:05
Today’s guest is Dr Avivah Zornberg, renowned Torah scholar, teacher and speaker based in Jerusalem. I first became aware Dr. Zornberg’s work when I heard a lecture she delivered in Belfast, and I was immediately mesmerized by her deep insights into Hebrew scripture – her studies are based on Midrash, literature, psychoanalysis and philosophy. She …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep. 8 Uncovering Deep Grace in a Year of Turbulence, with Karen Campbell
51:21
51:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:21
Today’s guest is Karen Campbell, minister and musician, originally from Northern Ireland and currently based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Karen and I met first when we were both serving Presbyterian churches in the Belfast area, but our friendship has extended into our shared love of music, the Psalms, and spirituality – as well as some fun times and…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep. 7 Shepherding through the Rugged Terrain of the Valley, with Kate Wiebe
53:27
53:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:27
Today’s guest is Kate Wiebe, founder of the https://www.ictg.org (Institute for Collective Trauma and Growth). We both entered seminary only days after 9/11, an event that influenced many of us as we began our theological studies not far away from the areas that had been traumatized by those events. It wasn’t until years after we’d graduated that I…
…
continue reading