Showing posts with label Acrostic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Acrostic. Show all posts

Monday, June 29, 2015

A New Psalm 119, part 3

More than 3000 years ago, David penned his epic psalm praising God's Law in an acrostic psalm.  What if we should update it to be an English language acrostic psalm?  This is the last part of three that explores what it would sound like if David had written his psalm in English in the middle of the 21st Century.


Regal are all your laws and decrees, O Lord,
    for you are the Eternal King of the Ages.
Reigning in splendid beauty are you, Sovereign Lord;
    your ordinances display your wisdom, love and power.
Radiant are all your precepts, O my God;
    they shine with the light of your eternal counsel.
Rejoicing with your saints and angels because of your statutes,
    I find great pleasure in all I discover therein.
Right and perfect are all your ways;
    at your right hand are pleasures evermore.
Righteous Lord and mighty King of everything,
    all your creation shall praise your holy laws.
Restore me, O Lord, according to your promises,
    the promises that I have read in your faithful Word.
Reward there is at the end of all your ways;
    your are our shield and very great reward.

Scarlet were my sins until you cleaned me;
    your word, O Lord, has cleansed me.
Spotless you have made your servant, O my Lord;
    not of me, but your Spirit enables me to keep your statutes.
Shepherd of my souls, watch over my life;
    your commandments guard my life.
Search my heart. O heart-knower, and find
    all ways contrary to your precepts.
Sleep you grant to all your people,
    to those who trust in your faithful Word.
Submit unto the way of the Lord, O my soul,
    and he shall direct your feet in his commands.
Sustain me, O my sovereign Lord, by your law;
    hold my life in the hollow of your hand.
Shelter there is for all who trust in your Word;
    those who run to it find great refuge.

Those who trust in you and your Word are as a mountain;
    unmovable and unshakeable they shall stand.
Teach me your commands, O Lord,
    so that I will run in your path of righteousness.
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    his precepts are good and right always.
Thanksgiving praise and honor belong unto you, O Lord,
    for your statutes which are perfect and pure.
Trust in the Lord with all your soul
    and lean upon his Word for your direction.
Truth, O Lord, I find in all your ways;
    direct me in the path of life.
Turn your ear unto the cries of your servant,
    for I delight in your gracious commands.
Treasured above all is your law, O my God;
    it is more valuable than houses full of choice gold.

Upon your Law, O Lord, do I stake my claim;
    let your truth come to me as your have promised.
Understanding comes from studying your statues;
    I rest upon your words, O Lord.
Unfruitful are all the paths that lead away from your precepts;
    it alone yields light and life!
Unjust are all who follow not your commands;
    you will judge all such with perfect equity.
Upright are all your righteous decress;
    in faithfulness you rule and declare truth.
Unprofitable are all endeavors that do not follow your ways;
    those that walk in your paths are blessed both now and forever.
Unclothed am I when I stand in your sight;
    your law searches and discerns all with terrible precision.
Utterances of truth are all derived from your law;
    in your Light do I see light and truth.

Victory is mine as is all who love your ways;
    by your help I can scale a wall.
Visit your servant by your power and your Spirit;
    I love your law and all that your proclaim.
Vain is the hope of those who love not your precepts;
    I delight in your ways—help me, O Lord.
Virtues that matter are found in your ordinances;
    those who turn aside find only dust and death.
Valid are all your commands that your have uttered;
    in truth I see your precepts carefully are uttered.
Vague are the pronouncements of those who heed not your Word;
    your Word gives clarity and light to all who follow it closely.
Valid are your command, O sovereign Lord,
    for they are the substance of all truth that is real and eerlasting.
Vouchsafe your servant by your promises, O Lord;
    for I trust your Word and your precepts, my God.

Wailings and groanings await all those who neglect your law;
    your way alone points unto the path of life.
Walking according to your precepts is blessing and life everlasting;
    your ways lead me unto eternal life.
When I wandered from your truth, I stumbled;
    your law is a shield of protection for those who walk therein.
Weak am I and frail to act;
    your Spirit strengthens me to obey your precepts.
Walking according to the Spirit, I set my mind on your desires;
    governed by your law I am governed by life and peace.
Warnings are found within all your commands;
    you have set before me both blessings and curses.
Warm my heart lest it grow cold to your truth;
    may this world grow dim in the light of your Word.
Wisdom is found in every line of your law;
    whosoever heeds it gains great knowledge.

Xylophones and marimbas, drums and cymbals—
   let all music praise your gracious laws.
Xerxes saw your commands in action
   and you used him to save your people.
X-rays cannot penetrate as deep as your law,
   for it comes straight from your mouth.
Xylography is but one way to show your Law;
   write it on my heart with your love.
Xerophilous am I because of your Word,
   for I am planted by living streams of water.
Xanadu and Utopia are fabled to be fair,
   but your Law speaks of a beauty far more lasting..
Xeric is my life without your Words;
   I long for it more than the deer for water.
Xebecs skim across the waters
   as I am buoyed up by your commands.
  
You have made known your Word, the path of life;
   at your right hand there are pleasures ever more.
Yielding more treasure than the deepest mine or richest storehouse,
   your commandments are the only source of life and godliness.
Yes and Amen are all the promises found in your Word;
   through Christ they are offered freely to me.
Youths may grow tired and the strong will stumble or faint,
   but those who wait on you according to your law are renewed.
Your Word is a lamp for my feet as I walk;
   those that obey not your commands stumble in great darkness.
Yaweh has spoken and revealed himself in his law;
   great delight is found in searching each line of his will.
Years come and go and all changes or decays;
   your Word however changes not nor will it fail.
Yearning to see you more closely, I study your statutes;
   in each word I see your face revealed.

Zeal for your house fills all my thoughts;
   how may I honor and obey your commands?
Zither and harp, trumpet and flute make music, O my Lord,
   praising you for the excellencies of your law.
Zechariah praised your holy name as he beheld your promises fulfilled;
   promises written down in your Word long before.
Zarephath was honored by a visit from Elijah who spoke your words.
   may I receive your Commands with all reverence.
Zion awaits your coming again with joy and eager expectation;
   when you subdue all enemies and judge righteously by your law.
Zeniths and apexes are found all over this earth;
   your law, O Lord, stands higher then them all.
Zodiac and constellations point to the universality of your reign;
   by your commands do all things consist and exist.
Zealously you defend the honor of your name;
   Oh! may I do all to maintain the honor of your commands.

- D. Benning


Friday, June 26, 2015

A New Psalm 119, part 2

More than 3000 years ago, David penned his epic psalm praising God's Law in an acrostic psalm.  What if we should update it to be an English language acrostic psalm?  This is the second part of three that explores what it might sound like if David had written his psalm in English in the middle of the 21st Century.





Just and right are all your commands;
   they show me what is right and good in your sight.
Jesus ever lives to intercede for His people;
   I love Him and obey His commandments.
Jehovah, the self-sufficient eternal God,
   reveals His majesty and beauty in all His Law.
Jewels there may be without number,
   but the Word of the Lord is more valuable then them all.
Jealously the Lord protects His honor and His name;
   He will not hold guiltless those that break His law.
Justice will roll on like a mighty river,
   for His law is eternal and ever new.
Judgment awaits those who transgress your commandments;
   mercy is given to those who turn and repent.
Joy unspeakable and full of glory is mine by your Spirit
   as I contemplate all your marvelous precepts.

Knowledge of your Word leads me to wisdom;
   let me rejoice in your truth which is life.
Kneeling before your commands I see your truth;
   life and light are there for those who humbly follow your ways.
Kiss the Son lest He be angry;
   His laws are emblazoned across His universe.
Kings and rulers will all bow before Him;
   He is the supreme Lord who makes His commands.
Kingdoms and all dominions will fall before your throne,
   for your laws are perfect and unalterable.
Keys of your kingdom are given to those,
   those who walk according to your ordinances.
Kinsman-redeemer, loving Liege of Light,
   your precepts are my life and my salvation.
Knowing your Laws bring light to my eyes;
   because your love is everlasting I will praise you!

Loving Lord, you gave life to me;
   I am able to love at all because you gave your love and your law.
Laboring in your fields I feel fulfilled by your law;
   teach me to love your ways as most important to my life.
Lamb of God, slain from before the world began,
   let me love your commands and your ways.
Language fails me in expressing the wonders of your law;
   most beautiful and exquisite it is and without equal!
Lands and dominions belong unto your name,
   for your are the mighty ruler and giver of all laws.
Language fail me in my quest to praise your awesome name;
    marvelous are your deeds and that my soul know right well.
Light and life are from your hand;
    your commandments give life unto my soul.
Lowly I approach your Throne of Grace,
    but mercifully you respond with grace and love.

More of your beauty would I see, O Lord;
    help me understand your precepts ever more clearly.
Most marvelous and awesome is all your creation,
    but in your law do I see you most distinctly.
Matchless is your manifold wisdom, O my God,
    that reveals itself to those who study your Word.
Men and women were created to bring you glory;
    how better than learning and obeying your decrees?
Mockers decry your law as outdated and useless;
    but enthroned in heaven you have installed your King.
Morning breaks and shines its golden light;
    let your Word shine upon my heart to light my way.
Mysterious are all the secret councils of your will;
    yet you have disclosed your thoughts to us in your commands.
Make my heart delight in your ordinances, O gracious Lord,
    then my way will be filled with your joy and peace.

New songs of praise are due your awesome Name
    for the wonders of your marvelous Law.
Narrow is the way that leads to eternal life;
    your precepts carefully define this way.
Noah found grace in your righteous eyes
    for he did right and held your laws in high regard.
Nothing in this world holds desire for me
    except you and what I find in your Word.
Nature displays the infinite wisdom of your marvelous council;
    all things work according to your steadfast laws.
Needy am I, O Righteous Lord;
    your Law shows me my need of a mighty savior.
No blood of bulls nor goats could atone
    for breaking the least of your commandments.
Name above all other names I trust;
    he shall save me from the law's dread curse.

Obedience is due unto all your statutes;
    with majestic wisdom you ordain each one.
Obligated to your ordinances are all your creatures;
    with love and grace you rule your kingdom.
Oaths of obedience unto your law are fitting;
    blessed is the one sworn to his own hurt.
Obey the Lord with great love and joy;
    His Laws immediately and exactly follow.
Offerings of praise await your Name, O Lord;
    Marvelous are all the treasures within your commands.
Ordinances you made for the children of men;
    you rule with absolute sovereignty and wisdom.
Overflowing with joy am I because of your great love;
    In your Word I see all your abundant provisions.
Offspring shall hear of your righteous laws;
    the next generation will praise your mighty deeds.

Praise the Lord, all you His people!
    his precepts are good and point the way to life.
Perfect peace will you give the one who trusts,
    trusts in you and your enduring commands.
Pagans run after things of this world;
    in your law are all the words of life.
Pain I had when I wandered from your ways;
    but pleasures are at your right hand obeying.
Passover showed the severe consequence of disobeying your word;
    proclaimed also your rich mercy to those who believe.
Pearls of great price and treasures in a field—
    I would forsake them all to obtain the riches of your law.
Power and authority, wisdom and might are seen within your precepts;
    teach me to study your matchless ways.
Purify your servant according to your Word;
    your Word, O Lord, is truth.

Quiet my heart, O Lord,
   for in your Law there is security.
Quell my fears with your love;
   your commands are my delight.
Queens and kings may be arrayed in pomp,
   but I delight in the riches of your royal decrees.
Questions cloud my mind
   when I stray far from your ordinances.
Quoting your Law each day
   enlivens my heart and enlightens my path.
Quicken my heart and mind, O Lord;
   your commands give life to your servant.
Quickly come to my aid, O God,
   for I am needy and rejoice in your commands.
Quicksand and ruin are reserved
   for those who despise your gracious Law.

- D. Benning

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

A New Psalm 119, part 1


More than 3000 years ago, David penned his epic psalm praising God's Law in an acrostic psalm.  What if we should update it to be an English language acrostic psalm?  This is the first part of three that explores what it would sound like if David had written his psalm in English in the middle of the 21st Century.



Almighty God and Universe Creator,
   great are all you ordinances.
All your laws are perfect
   for they reflect your greatness!
Adoration and praise belong unto you, O Lord,
   for all your creation is governed by your laws.
Authority and Dominion are your without end
   for you rule your creation by your Word.
Awesome are all your decrees and deeds
   since they spring from your commands.
Ashamed and acursed are any people
   that follow not your perfect ways.
Answers are found in your laws
   for in them is your embodied wisdom.
Ablaze with light and glory are your decrees,
   and they provides light for my feet.
  
Bold am I when I walk in your ways,
   for you strengthen all who obey your Word.
Be near to me by your Word;
   I find great delight in all you command.
Bankrupt and defiled are all who dispise your laws;
   in them is the way of your favor.
Before I followed your precepts I wandered away;
   now I walk in the light of your fellowship.
Broken and confused are all who hate your Word;
   but I rejoice in the counsel of your ways.
Breathe on me your life by your Spirit
   that I may love your Law even more.
Bread is good to my body as
   your Word is unto my soul!
By your Spirit do I understand your Law;
   help me that I may hear and do.

Crystal clear are the ways you have directed;
   I walk in the light of your counsel.
Christ is the accomplishment of the law;
   righteousness is the end for all who believe.
Clean am I for I heed your Word;
   Your Word, O Lord, is truth!
Comfort comes to me through your Law;
   You are the God of all comfort!
Commands you have given unto the children of men;
   In the keeping of them is life.
Come to me, my Lord and my God,
   for I trust in your precepts.
Cheerful is the man who obeys your ordinances;
   each of them points unto life.
Correction comes from your precepts;
   in your path will I find my delight.
  
Delight and duty are found in your law;
   mere listening alone brings a curse.
Dark was the night where your truth found me;
   now I walk in the light of your law!
Deliverance comes from your glorious law;
   I will rejoice in your great salvation.
Destruction awaits those who try to save themselves by your law;
   but you enable all you save to delight therein.
Disclose to me the secrets of your will
   for I attend unto your law.
Discipline is fitting for earning your praise;
   let me follow your precepts closely everyday.
Discernment is abundant for those who study your law;
   mere head knowledge gains not your approval.
Display your love unto me
   for I treasure your ordinances more than fine gold.

Earth holds no treasure for me
   since I have laid hold of your law.
Empty was my way of life
   when I followed not your precepts.
East and west seek to find true wisdom;
   in your ways alone it is found.
Encourage your servant according to your Words;
   I take great delight in all your commands.
Envy rotted my bones
   when I desired the way of the lawless.
Entire books and tomes could be written on your law;
   matchless and awesome it is without equal!
Equip your servant to do your will;
   Your rod and staff mark for me your ways.
Everlasting to everlasting shall sing your praises;
   eternal and perfect are all your commands.

Faithful you are, O Lord,
   and your precepts reflect your faithfulness.
Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
   your laws instill understanding and fear of your name.
Finding your ways is of greater worth than gold;
   I delight in the richness of your ways.
Forcefully your power comes in your Word;
   and by your power you will raise us unto life.
Fill me with your knowledge and wisdom;
   I love the glory of your holy laws.
Fellowship with your Spirit is most excellent;
   your ordinances define how we may approach your throne.
Flawless are all your laws;
   your Spirit gives power through your Word.
Freedom there is for those who walk in your laws;
   I walk about in your ways and am free.

Glad was my heart when they said to me,
   "Let us go and worship the Lord according to His commands!"
Grace is abundant in each of your precepts;
   teach me to love them more than life.
God is not a distant God,
   but has drawn close to His people by His laws.
Good is the way of the Lord
   and each of His ordinances shows His care.
Gold there is in abundance and many precious gems,
   but your Word is more to be treasured then them all.
Graves await all the children of men,
   but those who walk in your ways will see the light of life.
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised
   for He has revealed His ways unto us.
Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
   because I have set His law as my guide.


Happy is the one whose refuge is the Lord;
   in His Laws are the blessings of His favor.
How I long for your Word, O Lord;
   when will the nations be turned to obey your voice?
Help me, O Lord, according to your promises;
   let your commands be light to my life.
Honey is sweet and food brings delight;
   your Word is sweeter and more delightful than all.
Honor and glory, power and dominion are yours;
   within each letter of your law are they revealed!
Heart-knowing God, your law is a double-edged sword;
   it pierces me deeply to know my thoughts.
Hymns of praise and thanks will I sing;
   your Word, O Lord, is the richest of fare!
Hold me safe in your arms, O Lord,
   for I trust in your everlasting precepts.

In the morning I awake to discover truth,
   delighting in reading your Word.
In the evening I reflect upon your grace,
   which strengthens me to obey your decrees.
Incline your ear to hear my prayer,
   for it is rooted in the promises within your commands.
Infinite are all your attributes and perfections;
   I see that from studying your law.
I see your beauty within your precepts;
   teach my heart to run in your paths.
Indwell me by your Spirit;
   write your law upon my heart.
Intrinsic to your Word are all your perfections;
   they shine therein with the beauty of holiness.
Invariable and consistent is your law,
   for you are unchanging and steadfast.

- D. Benning