Timeless: Ancient Psalms for the Church Today

I was blessed to have a very small role in a massive effort initiated by Mark Shipp to produce a new hymnal based on the book of Psalms. Actually, the project is far more complex and ambitious than a normal hymnal: to produce a new translation with notes and a short commentary for each of the 150 psalms (my role for Psalms 36-41) along with the composition of two to three new songs for each psalm (3 volumes in its entirety).

Since I did the translation and commentary for Psalms 36-41 and "ran" back and forth from my office to Jack Reese's office as he wrote two hymns for Psalm 38, I am partial to to his music and Lyrics for "Do Not Abandon Me" (I share a link below). Actually, it's more than being partial. Psalm 38 is my psalm. I identify with this psalmist who can find no relief from pain, who goes "on limping and limping, my pain always the next step before me" (38:17, my translation in Timeless). Jack's song captivates me, my pain, and my prayer: you may listen to "Do Not Abandon Me" here.

The editors have now established a Facebook Page as well as a YouTube Channel for sample music. I encourage you to check out both sites and contact the editors for more information about the recordings and use of "The Paperless Hymnal" for the words and music of these new songs.

Until we meet again,

Glenn