Church Psalter
The Book of Psalms for Liturgical and Private Use
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Psalm 2 1 Why are the nations in an uproar? * Why do the peoples mutter empty threats? 2 Why do the rulers of the earth rise up in revolt, and their leaders plot together, * against the LORD and against his Anointed? 3 "Let us break their yoke," they say; * "let us cast off their bonds from us." 4 He who dwells on high grieves over them; * the Lord mourns because of them. 5 He spoke to them with passion, * He called and wooed them without ceasing. 6 "I myself have given you my Son * I have sent him in the midst of you. 7 It is I, the LORD, who spoke to him: * 'You are my Son; this day have I begotten you. 8 I will save all peoples through your word * and the ends of the earth for your name's sake. 9 You shall open their eyes to see the truth * and make of them a new creation.'" 10 And now, repent of trusting in your wealth; * bow down, you mighty ones of the earth. 11 Let God be God in all His glory, * renounce your pride and humble yourselves before him. 12 Lest he withdraw and leave you; * and abandon you to your own devices and desires. 13 Happy are they who are God's children, * who take refuge in him!
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About the Book
The Christian Church has had a love-hate relationship with the Book of Psalms: it is supposedly the church's hymn book but every Sunday we select, leave out, bracket certain sections which are not in accordance with the Gospel of Jesus. There are many arcane person and place names as well as theological concepts which often stand in the way of comprehending the Christian message we are trying to communicate. Ideas of revenge, self-righteousness, merit, hatred of enemies, etc. cannot but hinder the effective preaching of the Good News in Jesus Christ. The present rendition, based loosely on the version published in the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, attempts to maintain the liturgical feel of the Psalter while, at the same time, purging it of unnecessary baggage. Here is a version of the Psalter which can be prayed, without any reservation, by Christian communities and individuals alike.
About the Author
Georg Retzlaff has been a priest and teacher in the church for almost forty years. Educated in Europe, he earned a doctorate in Church History from the University of Bern, Switzerland, taught at colleges, universities, and seminaries in the USA, Liberia, and Tanzania. His previous books, articles for journals and weekly newspapers were published in Germany and Switzerland. Retzlaff has a passion for teaching on all levels, academic as well as congregational. He is presently serving as rector of an Episcopal Church in South Carolina. Free Preview