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The "psalms of ascents," psalms 120-134, have long fascinated readers. First, the term "ascents" is enigmatic: it could mean "steps" or "stairs," as in steps leading up to the temple, "degrees," as in stages in the performance of worship, or "songs of going up," as in pilgrimages to annual festivals. Second, these psalms may in some way narrate a progression from psalms 120 to 134. Many today think that the psalms of ascents are pilgrim songs, that is, psalms intended to be sung as travelers "went up" to Jerusalem. There may also be a sequence to the narration: from a lament, longing for the peace and stability of Jerusalem (psalm 120), to preparation to depart (psalm 121), to arrival at its gates (psalms 123-124), to engaging in worship with fellow Israelites (psalm 133), to blessings intoned over the worshippers by the priest (psalm 134). Whatever the exact ancient background, these are psalms which still teach us to lament faithfully in dire straits, to confidently turn our eyes to God, and to worship the Lord in thanksgiving and praise. May all who hear and sing these psalms of ascents also "go up" into the presence of the Lord in lament, thanksgiving, and praise. This album is dedicated to Randy Daw (1954-2019), music editor, assistant producer, author and composer and Madeleine Showalter (1958-2020), wife of Michael Showalter, who encouraged all of us. Songs on this CD: 1. In My Day of Distress (Psalm 120) / Gary Pendergrass 2. I Cry unto the Lord (Psalm 120) / Marva L. Hughes 3. I Lift My Eyes to the Hills (Psalm 121) / Michael E. Showalter 4. He Watches Over You (Psalm 121) / Jerry Shipp & Ruth Ann Somervell 5. I Was Glad When They Said unto Me (Psalm 122) / Mark Shipp & Chris Stivers 6. May There Be Peace (Psalm 122) / Jack R. Reese 7. To You I Lift Up My Eyes (Psalm 123) / Mark Shipp & D. J. Bulls 8. Have Mercy On Us (Psalm 123) / Gary Pendergrass 9. Our Help Is the Name of the Lord (Psalm 124) / Zach Olson, Julianne Grace Brown & Mel Witcher 10. Had It Not Been the Lord (Psalm 124) / Debbie Dorman 11. We Pray For Peace (Psalm 125) / Matthew K. Porter 12. Peace upon Israel (Psalm 125) / Marva L. Hughes 13. The Lord Has Done Great Things (Psalm 126) / Debbie Dorman 14. Restore Us Lord (Psalm 126) / Jack R. Reese 15. If the Lord Builds Not the Dwelling (Psalm 127) / Jack R. Reese 16. If the House Is Not Built By the Lord (Psalm 127) / Marva L. Hughes 17. Respect the Lord (Psalm 128) / Jerry Shipp & James W. Tackett 18. How Blest Are All Who Fear the Lord (Psalm 128) / M. W. Bassford & Michael E. Showalter 19. How Many Are My Enemies (Psalm 129) / Mark Shipp & Michael E. Showalter 20. Let Israel Confess and Proclaim (Psalm 129) / Mark Shipp & James W. Tackett 21. From the Depths I Cry to You (Psalm 130) / Glover Shipp (1927-2016), Rachel Shipp and Mark Shipp 22. Out of the Depths (Psalm 130) / Marva L. Hughes 23. My Soul Waits (Psalm 130) / Sarah Shipp & Jack R. Reese 24. My Heart Is At Peace (Psalm 131) / Mel Witcher 25. In You, O Lord (Psalm 131) / Michael E. Showalter 26. In Royal David's City (Psalm 132) / Michael Morgan & D. J. Bulls 27. Remember Us, O God Of Grace (Psalm 132) / M. W. Bassford & M. L. Daniels 28. How Good and How Pleasant (Psalm 133) / Mark Shipp & Michael E. Showalter 29. Come and Bless the Lord Forever (Psalm 134) / Jack R. Reese 30. Bless the Lord (Psalm 134) / Gary Pendergrass Executive Producer: Mark Shipp Producers: D. J. Bulls and Joseph Martin Recorded at Lone Pine Studios, Orlando, FL. Engineered and mixed by Michael Hurley Vocal Tapestry is Tony DeRosa, Christy Dillon, Brandon Martin, Sue Martin, Drew Ochoa, Jessica Raspolich, Sarah Whittemore, and Myron Whittlesey. Front cover art by William Strutt (1825 - 1915), Jerusalem Pilgrims 1872 Cover design by James W. Tackett, Granddad Productions Timeless cover art by Rick Gibson, Strong Design |
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