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This setting of Psalms 42 and 43 was written and submitted by Travis Ham and focuses on helping believers answer waves of aching despair with an intentional refocusing on God, the help of our countenance [Ps. 42:11, ASV].
Psalm 42, Psalm 43
How does this psalm piece interpret the psalm?
Though this song was written pre-COVID, the psalm’s recognition of the pain felt both from being separate from the close fellowship of gathered worship and also from the breaking sorrows that surround us seems all too relevant in our current moment. Likewise, the psalmist’s pattern of answering each wave of despair by speaking truth and hope to his soul is intentionally reflected in the chorus.
This song could work as a lament, but a stronger use would be to help move a congregation from a season or moment lament to praise. Given the specific subject matter, it could be especially useful in helping those processing the chronic grief of being necessarily separate from in-person corporate worship.
The last few minutes of corporate worship are critical because they frame the entire purpose of worship and its connection to our lives in the world.
Explore how Christians in the earliest centuries of Christianity engaged topics related to wealth and poverty in their preaching, public prayers, offerings, celebrations of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and the shaping of buildings and spaces for Christian worship.
How did early Christians understand their illness and pain in their Greco-Roman context?
The last few minutes of corporate worship are critical because they frame the entire purpose of worship and its connection to our lives in the world.
Explore how Christians in the earliest centuries of Christianity engaged topics related to wealth and poverty in their preaching, public prayers, offerings, celebrations of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and the shaping of buildings and spaces for Christian worship.
How did early Christians understand their illness and pain in their Greco-Roman context?
Pastors of three Hispanic churches will share what they learned from experiences implementing congregational projects related to the development of new understandings and practices of worship and preaching.
