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Singing the Psalms

Activity Objective:
To help the children experience the link between the psalms in the Bible and what we do in the Liturgy of the Word in the Responsorial Psalm
Lesson Outcome:
By comparing a familiar song to a psalm in Scripture and then singing it in the style of a Responsorial Psalm, the children will see the link between the psalms in the Bible and what we do in the Liturgy of the Word.
Materials
  • Finding God, Grade 6, CD 2, Track 3: "Lord, You Have the Words"
  • Bibles
  • Copies of the song:

Refrain: Lord, you have the words of everlasting life. Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.

Verse 1: The Law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; the Lord's rule is to be trusted, the simple find wisdom.

Verse 2: The fear of the Lord is holy, abiding forever; the decrees of the Lord are true, all of them just.

Verse 3: The precepts of the Lord are right,  the gladden the heart, the command of the Lord is clear, giving light to the eye.

Verse 4: The are worth more than gold, than the finest gold, sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

Directions:
  • Begin by handing out copies of lyrics to the song, "Lord, You Have the Words." Remind them that they sang this song during their last session.
  • Explain that many songs that we sing at Mass are based on passages from the Bible. This is especially true of the Responsorial Psalm.
  • Ask them to find Psalm 19:8-11 in their Bibles, and working with a partner, compare the verses of this song to the verses of Psalm 19. The children should quickly see that:

Psalm 19:8 corresponds to the 1st verse of the song;
Psalm 19:9 corresponds to the 3rd verse of the song;
Psalm 19:10 corresponds to the 2nd verse of the song;
Psalm 19:11 corresponds to the 4th verse of the song.

  • Ask for volunteers to sing the verses of the song, while the rest of the group sings the refrain. Explain that this is singing the psalm in a responsorial style—alternating between a cantor (one or more persons) and a larger group.
  • Prayerfully sing the song as a Responsorial Psalm.
Learning Styles:
Music Smart
Approximate Time:
5 minutes
Hints:
Be sure that the children are familiar with the song before you do the activity.
Sensitivities:
Some children are shy or uncomfortable about singing with others; respect this, but encourage all to sing as well as they can. Remind them that their voices are also God's gift to them.

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