Responsive Reading from Psalm 19

Psalm 19

(First Setting – in familiar language)

Leader: The heavens are telling the glory of God. The firmament displays his handiwork. People: The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. Leader: The decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple. People: The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart rejoice. Leader: The commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. People: The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. Leader: The ordinances of the Lord are true and altogether right. People: More to be desired than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Leader: By your Word, your servants are warned; by adhering to it, there is a great reward. People: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

(Second Setting – All statements made TO God)

Leader: O God, the heavens declare your glory. The skies above display the work of your hands. People: The law you have made is perfect: by it, our souls are revived. Leader: The decrees you have made are sure; by them the simple are made wise. People: Your precepts are right: in them our hearts rejoice. Leader: Your commandment is clear; by it our eyes are enlightened. People: Our fear of you is cleansing, making us clean for all time. Leader: True and altogether right are the judgments you hand down. People: You are more to be desired than gold, even much fine gold. Our life in you is sweeter than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Leader: By your Word, we - your servants - are warned; when we adhere to it, there is a great reward. People: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Anthem Suggestion: “Let the Words of My Mouth” (Pepper Choplin) “The Heavens Are Telling” (Haydn)… a greatly abbreviated version of this for call to worship is available on this site. Choir Parts

Chorus Suggestion: “More Precious Than Silver”