Psalm 127 ~ Lament & Invocation for Ukraine & Russia

A cry of grief and prayer of invocation for children and parents in Ukraine, and for Russia 

I invite you to join me in experience Psalm 127 as an expression of grieving for the parents and children whose lives are at stake and whose lives are being lost in Ukraine and mourned in Ukraine, in Russia, and around the world.   The evocative images and mourning themes of the psalm include protection, cities, guarding, affliction, youth, resistance, and negotiation.  
*
As lament and invocation, I dedicate the Hebrew chant of Psalm 127 to the fears and hopes of Volodomyr, and I dedicate the Russian Orthodox "Kyrie Eleison" chant that follows it to speak to the fears and hopes of Vladimir, longing that at the "gate" of negotiation (Psalm 127, verse 5), we will all wage an unashamed and successful de-escalation, shalom, and fruitful peace.
*
Our youth and staff team originally helped me put together a version of Psalm 127 and a Kyrie Eleison ("God be compassionate/Lord, have mercy") in summer 2021 as part of a service of lament for Indigenous children who lost their lives in the Indian Residential School Systems in Canada and the US.   You may also experience that brief service of lament by clicking here. 
*
Andrew +     The Rev Andrew Twiddy,  Ash Wednesday, March 02, 2022
*
Vocals and Guitar:  Andrew;  Readers:  Alli, Alice, Holly;  Tune:  Lully, Lullay [the Coventry Carol], traditional 16th-century, composer unknown (a tune of lament for Herod's slaughter of innocent children);  Kyrie Eleison ("God be compassionate/Lord, have mercy") ~ traditional Russian Orthodox chant;  Psalm 127 ~ alternating verses of reading in English and chanting in Hebrew
*
Andrew's original English translation and the Hebrew text (Westminster-Leningrad Codex) of Psalm 127, with original commentary and insights attached
Downloads