Psalm 114 tells a story of salvation—it is a testimony to God’s mighty acts and power. It tells the story of the people of God and it also tells our own story. God has brought us out of a foreign land where we didn’t belong and has made us his own. God dwells within us and works through us; we are God’s sanctuary, the place from which God rules. Our salvation, then, is no small thing—it is a cosmic event. Psalm 114 proclaims that our salvation made waves throughout creation.
In Jesus’ day, this psalm would have been recited during the Passover feast, the Last Supper before he was betrayed and crucified. One can imagine the comfort Christ found in this psalm’s praise for salvation—a salvation that would be fulfilled through his death on the cross, his resurrection, and his ascension.
Today, this psalm may be especially meaningful during the Easter season or any time we wish to reflect on the gift of salvation.
During Passover children are present and given a role, asking questions of the presider. Following that pattern, I have included questions for children to ask. To make participation easier for younger children, their portion has been divided among three speakers. The adult’s text is from Psalm 114 NRSVUE with the exception of the line “Because God was there” which appears in bold. Psalm 114:5–6 contains a series of questions that were slightly adapted to be spoken by the children.
Litany of Praise for Salvation
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Child 1: |
What happened when you were saved? |
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Adult: |
When Israel went out from Egypt, |
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Child 2: |
Then what happened? |
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Adult: |
The sea looked and fled; |
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Child 3: |
But why? Why did the sea flee? |
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Child 1: |
Why did Jordan turn back? |
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Child 2: |
Why did the mountains skip like rams and the hills like lambs? |
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Adult: |
Because God was there. |
Revised Common Lectionary
Year A, B, C: Easter—Easter Vigil
Year A, B, C: Easter—Easter Evening
Year A: Season after Pentecost—Proper 19 (24)
