In the unsettled stillness you can feel an electric charge. There is that smell in the air that is a predictor of rain. The sky is an ominous color—foreboding. You hold your breath waiting for chaos to ensue as nature displays its unstoppable power. The storm is about to break.
Whether literally or figuratively, life is full of such experiences. The psalmist talks of such a storm in Psalm 29. But instead of being a psalm of lament and fear, it is a psalm of praise—praise to the God who created the world, who makes himself known in creation, who judges the world, and who is its redeemer. Our redemption is not found in creation or false gods, but in the mighty creator God who is worthy of praise.
This litany is created for three voices. The first voice reads Psalm 29 NRSVUE which should be read dramatically, boldly, even boisterously as the storm increases in intensity, and then should conclude with a more peaceful tone. The second reader interjects in a few places and ends the litany quoting Matthew 3:17 NRSVUE from the account of Jesus’ baptism: When Jesus ascends from the water, the Holy Spirit alights on him, and the voice of God breaks forth declaring Christ to be God’s beloved son. The third reader reads Isaiah 43:1–3 NRSVUE in a comforting tone. Words are bolded throughout for emphasis. In the blue font you will find suggestions for adding sound and light to further highlight the drama in Psalm 29. The cumulative message of this litany is that though God is a God of immense power, who has control over all creation, we do not need to fear. God has sent God’s beloved son to redeem us. Do not be afraid.
As I was putting this litany together, I kept thinking of this quote from C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, “Aslan is a lion—the Lion, the great Lion." "Ooh," said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"..."Safe?" said Mr Beaver..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”
Whatever storms might be coming your way, be assured that we serve a good King. Do not be afraid, give to the Lord the glory and praise that is due, for we know that the storm will pass, the Redeemer has come and will come again, and there will be peace.
Psalm 29—Praise in the Face of a Storm
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Reader 1: |
Ascribe to the Lord, |
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Reader 2: |
Ascribe to the Lord… |
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Reader 1: |
ascribe to the Lord |
Begin some light tambourine. |
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Reader 2: |
Ascribe to the Lord… |
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Reader 1: |
Ascribe to the Lord |
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Silence | |
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Reader 2: |
Our God speaks. |
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Reader 1: |
The voice of the Lord |
Begin with gentle water sounds that quickly escalate. If possible, have the space become progressively darker. |
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Reader 3: |
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; |
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Reader 1: |
the God of glory thunders, |
Add drums with increasing intensity over the following verses. |
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Reader 3: |
I have called you by name; |
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Reader 1: |
the Lord, over mighty waters. |
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Reader 3: |
When you pass through the waters, |
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Reader 1: |
The voice of the Lord is powerful; |
Introduce percussion sounds like a storm. |
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Reader 3: |
and through the rivers, |
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Reader 1: |
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; |
Sounds of wood breaking, Crashing. |
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Reader 3: |
when you walk through fire |
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Reader 1: |
The voice of the Lord |
Add a few flashes of light— not too much as strobe lighting can cause seizures. |
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Reader 3: |
and the flame shall not consume you. |
Start increasing the light. |
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Reader 1: |
The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; |
Add wind sounds while the drumming lessens. Begin to settle down and get quieter. |
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“Glory!” |
Full lights come up on the word “Glory.” |
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Reader 3: |
For I am the Lord your God, |
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Reader 1: |
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; |
Non-water sounds dissipate. |
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Reader 2: |
Ascribe to the Lord… |
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the Lord sits enthroned as king forever. |
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Reader 2: |
Ascribe to the Lord… |
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May the Lord give strength to his people! |
Gentle water sounds remain |
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Silence | |
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Reader 2: |
“This is my Son, the Beloved, |
Revised Common Lectionary Epiphany 1A,B,C, Trinity Sunday B
