(A Psalm of Exaltation: God's name is a
strong refuge.)

O Lord, your name protects—
Even as a shadow covers from the sun.

It is a lovely name, comelier than the lily
And sweeter than the rose.
And holy. All-powerful
And high above the earth—
Even higher than the heavens.

Nature provides crannies
For the tiniest creatures.
And dens for the wild beasts
That they might dwell safely.

The fox is protected
In the burrows of the earth,
And the squirrel finds refuge
In the hollow of a tree.
The scorpion's sanctuary
Is beneath a rock,
And the hive is a shelter
For the bee.

Even so, Lord, by your wisdom—
You have established for us a haven
In your name, wherein we are safe.

(A Psalm of Affirmation, reaffirming
my faith in God.)

I have faith in God
Who gives me the strength
To climb mountains
And leap over walls.

He leads, guides
And protects me each day,
And restores all
That was taken away.
My heart safely rests in him.

The Lord is my life,
Health and strength.
He is the breath of my being.
My soul is happy in God.

(A Psalm of Praise: let all things bring Him glory.)


The songs of praise surround me;
I will sing of God's goodness faithfully.
Oh earth, hear my song
And the trees sing along.

Let the sound of the birds
Be joyfully raised
As dawn's twilight
Emerges with praise.
Let the moon and stars
Tell the great story—
Brightly sparkling
With his glory.
Let the waves prance
And the clouds dance
As the sun peeps
Upon the sea.
They all show forth
The praise of God
Who causes them to be.

For the Lord has made all things,
And let them bring him glory.

(A Shepherding Psalm: caring for the sheep.)

Unto green pastures and meadows he leads—
Safely through danger, beneath shady trees.
Shoring up brooks so the waters run smooth,
That his sheep safely drink from a calm, gentle pool.

They do not worry, but rest in his care—
Knowing the Good Shepherd is always there.
He keeps the enemy at distant bay.
And keeps his sheep out of harm's way.

Although in error, one might stray,
He tenderly rescues it right away.
All those in his care, he safely keeps.
He is the Good Shepherd that cares for his sheep.

(A Narrative of Omnipotence.)

Listen, and I will tell you a story
About the God of old.
A mighty rock for ages stood
In highness where no other could;
His throne secure and banner set
To reign o'er the earth.
He treads the dark and unknown;
No secret lurks by night.
By his omnipotent power,
All is brought to light.
A gesture, nod, or slant of the hand
Unleashes his might in the land—
Releasing an astounding force
That none can understand.
His way is sure, his word is swift.
In him everything consists.
Marvelous works he has done
Who shares his glory with no one.

All have felt the Lord's embrace,
Tho' none has ever seen his face,
As his eternal love and grace
Envelopes the human race.

(A Song of Trust. A doxological hymn.)


All-wise and loving
Heavenly Father,
I completely rest
In you.

(A Psalm for Meditation: godly devotion and commitment.)

Lord, I live to worship you,
And breathe to sing your praise.

Daily, my soul arises in your presence
With eager longing and expectation.

Oh life-giving One, draw me
With your wondrous love
And sweet words of comfort.

Don't be far from me,
But take my feeble hand
As I reach out to you.
Come closer as I draw nearer to you,
Oh my God, that I may forever
Know your abiding presence.

(A Psalm of Trust: patiently trusting despite adversity.)

My deliverance is in
The Lord's hands.
I wait for him in prayer
With meditation and praise.
The Lord will strengthen me
In trials.
He will not allow the enemy
To defeat me.
My God has placed a hedge
Of protection on every side.
Morning, noon and night,
He watches and no evil
Shall befall.

(A Psalm of Grievance: the cry for relief.)

My trials are many and heavy,
Seemingly never to end.

Will the tempest toss
And breakers rage forevermore,
As one by one the waves come
Crashing o'er the shore?

The tide-swell is ominous,
The howling winds blow.
And lurking beneath the surface
Is a subtle undertow.

But God’s voice, all-powerful,
Creates a calm in me
As his Spirit 'pon the waters
Stills the raging sea.

(A Psalm of Exhortation to godly fear.)

Bow the knee to the holy One.
Worship with standing ovation:
Rivers, grass, sun and stars.
And man the crown of creation.

Let the kingdoms fear the Lord,
And all the people make haste.
He is head of the universe;
His eyes are in every place.

The sovereign King ‘pon his throne
Shall judge the world and the nations.
One clasp of his powerful hands
Would terrify creation.

Sing, O winds. Sing praises to him;
Bow you mountains and trees.
Let every beast do obeisance to God,
And all men fall to their knees