Clerestory Notes

Commentary -
 

This simple refrain was written as a responsorial setting of Psalm 111, with the text of the psalm set as an antiphonal congregational reading. The spoken lines in regular and italic fonts can be read by individuals or groups. Because the lyrics of the refrain are drawn from expressions of praise within the psalm, this choral response can be used with other appropriate psalm readings as well.  (See the text settings for Psalm 113 and Psalm 146, below.)

Suggested use within the liturgy or service order: as a Gathering sung and spoken declaration of the Lord’s blessing and faithfulness; during or following a time of prayers of Invocation; or in the context of Profession of faith. To place within a set of songs and hymns, you might want to use it following a declarative hymn, such as Praise to the Lord, the Almighty; or just before Great Is Thy Faithfulness.

Key: D

Holy and Awesome Is He is available as a lead sheet and as vocal line with piano accompaniment. Settings for all three psalm texts are included.

Holy and Awesome Is He (Psalm 111)

Refrain (sung):
Praise the LORD! I will thank Him with my whole heart.
Bless His Name! I will delight in His great works.
Honor and majesty, righteous forever;
Holy and awesome is He!

(spoken)
Great are the works of the LORD;
     they are studied by all who delight in them.
Full of honor and majesty is His work,
     and His righteousness endures forever.
He has gained renown by His wonderful deeds;
     the LORD is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear Him;
     He is ever mindful of His covenant.
He has shown His people the power of His works,
     in giving them the heritage of the nations.

Refrain (sung)

The works of His hands are faithful and just;
     all His precepts are trustworthy.
They are established forever and ever,
     to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to His people.
He has commanded His covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is His name.
     The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
     All those who practice it have a good understanding.
     His praise endures forever.

Refrain (sung)

Copyright ©2009 Ellen Koehler. All Rights Reserved.

Holy and Awesome Is He (Psalm 113)

Refrain (sung):
Praise the LORD! I will thank Him with my whole heart.
Bless His Name! I will delight in His great works.
Honor and majesty, righteous forever;
Holy and awesome is He!

(spoken)
Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD;
     Praise the name of the LORD.
Blessed be the name of the LORD
     from this time forth and forevermore!
From the rising of the sun to its setting
     the name of the LORD is to be praised.
The LORD is high above all nations,
     His glory is above the heavens.

Refrain (sung)

Who is like the LORD our God, who is enthroned on high,
Who humbles Himself to behold
     the things that are in the heavens and in the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
     to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.
He gives the barren woman a home, as a joyous mother of children.
Praise the LORD!

Refrain (sung)

Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD:
Blessed be the name of the LORD
     from this time forth and forevermore!

Refrain Setting, based on Psalm 111: Copyright ©2009 Ellen Koehler. All Rights Reserved.

Holy and Awesome Is He (Psalm 146)

Refrain (sung):
Praise the LORD! I will thank Him with my whole heart.
Bless His Name! I will delight in His great works.
Honor and majesty, righteous forever;
Holy and awesome is He!

(spoken)
Hallelujah! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
     I will praise the LORD as long as I live;
     I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any child of earth,
     for there is no help or salvation in them.
When they breathe their last, they return to earth,
     and in that day their thoughts and their plans perish.

Refrain (sung)

How blessed are they who have the God of Jacob for their help,
     whose hope is in the LORD their God;
The LORD, who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them;
The LORD, who keeps his promise for ever;
     who gives justice to those who are oppressed, and food to those who hunger.
The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD cares for the stranger;
He sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way of the wicked.
The LORD shall reign forever,
     your God, O Zion, throughout all generations.
     Hallelujah!

Refrain (sung)

Refrain Setting, based on Psalm 111: Copyright ©2009 Ellen Koehler. All Rights Reserved.