"God, clothe me in Righteousness; Wrap me in Salvation"... Psalm 132 is the Messianic Psalm that looks back at the historical foundation of the Temple, forward to the Messianic fulfillment, and directly into our communal hearts as pilgrims.

"I give my sould over to Silence; I'm a weaned child resting against my mother"... Psalm 131 is what Gaye calls a Puddle that becomes a Well. One of the Pilgrim songs of a people ascending to Zion.

We continue the "Psalms of Ascent" the songs sung going up to Jerusalem for the celebration of the feasts, and this magnificent prayer holds us from the depths, teaches us the cry for ransom, and holds us in this marvelous image of God's "hesed" love

Again TWO "Psalms of Ascent" set right next to each other holding a lot of tension! We'll look at both of these Pilgrim Songs together, and how they hold the deep desire for protection next to the desperate need for healing after trauma.

this Psalm of Ascents, a pilgrim song sung by the crowds headed to Jerusalem, is a stunning image of responsibility and surrender, parenting and release, productivity and de-centering ourselves to truly see God's power.

Two more "Psalms of Ascent"--these pilgrim songs are in extreme tension but set together intentionally to guide our spiritual rootedness... the first is a song of Zionistic protection, and the next is about healing after destruction. We hope for protection and hold onto the power of resurrection, and these Psalms guide our hearts toward that depth.

The 5th of these 15 "Psalms of Ascent" the pilgrim songs sung by the caravans headed to the city of gathering and shalom, Jerusalem. The image of the broken bird snare, the release, the escape by God's gracious power is a powerful blessing and anchor of hope.

Psalm 123 is the 4th of the 15 "Psalms of Ascent" the pilgrim songs sung on the way up to Jerusalem for the feasts and festivals... this one is a real favorite of Christians because of the way Mary quotes it in Luke's Gospel... it is a magnificent teacher for the eyes of our hearts

"Shine forth against the darkness, my God. . . Comfort my anxious soul." This Psalm calls us to an assurance, even in the heavy shadow of oppression and violence.

"God, you reign over all. . . let us feel your Strength" This brief and powerful prayer affirms the firm establishment, the forever promise, the stability of God's power... such a vital thing to hold onto in the tumult of brokenness. Our bodies and minds need to hold onto this foundation. This lovely prayer comes within a movement of Psalms in which the Enemy [of all stability] is clearly seen and this promise of eternal trust is so vital.