Psalm of the Month for October 2022
The beginning is a very good place to start. Psalm 1 serves as an introduction to the Psalter. It lays out the contrast that can be seen throughout the book. There are two paths, two approaches, two types of people: the righteous and the wicked.
The version we are singing this month, like many others, is a close rendition of the Psalm as well as a meditation on the text. The lyrics were arranged and written by T.M. Moore and published in The Ailbe Psalter, in 2006, and I wrote the tune in 2011. The text helps us set portions of the psalm to memory while looking toward its Christological and redemptive end. One path leads to knowing Jesus while the other leads to perishing. The circular nature of the tune, timing, and chord progression is intended to reflect a sense of “unending praise.” In addition, the use of the minor and major adjustment at the end of each phrase points to the delight of meditating on the law of the Lord both night and day.
Below is the lead sheet. Also, you can hear my old recording of it on my older CD, To Live Is Christ here.