REDEMPTION SONGS, A 21ST CENTURY DESCANT ON THE PSALMS

Between Walter Brueggemann and Bob Marley I never stood a chance when it came to a passion for the Psalms. Throughout my life as a pastor, I’ve wanted a theologically reliable volume of the Psalms which I could use with ease in preparing liturgy. I’ve wanted a faithful wording which would not constrict the vocabulary to current vernacular or totally disregard the Psalms’ poetics. During my sabbatical in 2002, I began to tread the corridor between scholarship and art, arriving at a 'descant' on the Psalms, which is not so much a paraphrase as a harmony and counterpoint upon the established themes...."

These “Redemption Songs” are the Psalms selected for use in liturgical years A, B, and C of the Revised Common Lectionary. You are free to use them, noting credit to Mary Susan Gast, Redemption Songs, A 21st Century Descant on the Psalms, © 2002.

“Won’t you help me sing these songs of freedom…redemption songs, these songs of freedom.”

Bob Marley, “Redemption Song”

Links to the Seasons (All are Microsoft Word documents except for those noted html)

• Advent & Christmastide, Year A
• Epiphany, Year A
• Lent and Holy Week, Year A
• Eastertide, Year A
• Pentecost, Year A (Including Thanksgiving)

• Advent, Christmastide, Year B
• Epiphany, Year B (html)
• Lent, Year B (html)
• Holy Week, Year B
• Easter, Year B (html)
• Pentecost, Year B (Including All Saints Day and Thanksgiving Day)

• Advent, Christmastide
• Epiphany, Year C
• Lent, Holy Week and Eastertide
• Pentecost, Year C

Your comments are welcome
Send to msgast@ncncucc.org