Psalms for the Spirit

A Psalm of ascendance to Jerusalem, this would have been sung as a part of a collection of pilgrimage Psalms. Set to the upbeat Irish melody ‘A Fig for a Kiss,’ this evokes the joyful lightness of nearing the pilgrimage destination, almost like a festive dance. It creates the image of peace between all peoples, nations, kindred ~ a peace that seeks the good of all.Continue your reflections with the accompanying journal, which includes further questions for reflection and some invitations to prayer and practice.Paid subscribers receive a free journal PDF, or you can purchase a paperback versionVisit the Celtic Psalms website for scores/books, mp3s, CDs, and videos for Peace be with JerusalemFind out more about the Habits for the Spirit course: an 8-week online course exploring habits and daily spiritual practices to promote wellbeing in body, mind, and spiritFollow Kiran’s monthly reflections on Bless My FeetPsalms for the Spirit is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

Set to the 18th-century Scottish air ‘MacPhearson’s Lament,’ this Psalm reflects on the comfort of God’s everlasting protection. It begins with the iconic image of the hills or mountains that remind us of where we can find our help, and it continues to unfold the image of God watching over us, never slumbering, offering us shade and shelter, and blessing us as we “come and go,” both now and forever.Continue your reflections with the accompanying journal, which includes further questions for reflection and some invitations to prayer and practice.Paid subscribers receive a free journal PDF, or you can purchase a paperback versionVisit the Celtic Psalms website for scores/books, mp3s, CDs, and videos for I Lift My Eyes up to the HillsFind out more about the Habits for the Spirit course: an 8-week online course exploring habits and daily spiritual practices to promote wellbeing in body, mind, and spiritFollow Kiran’s monthly reflections on Bless My FeetPsalms for the Spirit is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

The writer of this Psalm praises God for responding mercifully to the cry of the suffering: in return, this individual offers to serve God faithfully. Set to the uplifting Irish melody ‘Galway Shawl,’ this is a Psalm of thanksgiving for deliverance from suffering, a testament to the transformation that can come through God’s help, and a commitment to faithfulness in response.Continue your reflections with the accompanying journal, which includes further questions for reflection and some invitations to prayer and practice.Paid subscribers receive a free journal PDF, or you can purchase a paperback versionPsalms for the Spirit is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Visit the Celtic Psalms website for scores/books, mp3s, CDs, and videos for I Love the LordFind out more about the Habits for the Spirit course: an 8-week online course exploring habits and daily spiritual practices to promote wellbeing in body, mind, and spiritFollow Kiran’s monthly reflections on Bless My FeetPsalms for the Spirit is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to this new series, “Something Psalmic,” in which I invite my guests to share what’s lifting their spirits and offering them healing and hope right now.In this moving episode of Psalms for the Spirit, I sit down with SueAnn Shiah ~ a Taiwanese American musician, filmmaker, ethnomusicologist, community organizer, and Queer Christian pastor. Through her creative and pastoral work, SueAnn weaves together questions of faith, identity, belonging, and justice, always grounded in her deep conviction that every vocation can be an act of ministry.Together, we talk about what is psalmic in her life these days: the courage to tell the truth even when it has consequences, the importance of naming despair as faithfully as we seek joy, and the hope that even the darkest Psalms ~ like Psalm 88 ~ can hold us when no easy answers exist. SueAnn’s story reminds us that faith is not about pretending everything is fine but daring to bring our full selves, our doubts and griefs included, before God.“The hope is not that things will suddenly be fixed, but that even our darkest truths are not too much for God.”This episode is an invitation to honesty, courage, and the deep hope that healing begins where truth is spoken.Featured Song:Psalm 88: God of My SalvationSet to the Irish traditional tune Bean Dubh a Ghleanna, this psalm gives voice to deep lament and longing. It is a cry from the depths, expressing sorrow, isolation, and the search for God’s presence in darkness—yet still holding fast to the prayer, “O God of my salvation.”Find out more about “Summer for the Spirit” at www.kiranyoungwimberly.com/summerDownload your free guide: “7 Spiritual Practices for Wellbeing in Uncertain Times”Become a Supporting/Paid SubscriberYou’ll get:* Complimentary access to the Habits for the Spirit course* Videos of the conversations in Substack* The Psalms for the Spirit Journal ebook* Invitations to future offerings for supporting subscribers throughout the yearPsalms for the Spirit is a listener-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

Testifying to God’s power to redeem us in times of trouble, this Psalm is set to ‘The Meeting of the Waters.’ It tells story after story of God redeeming people from various situations ~ wandering in deserts, imprisoned by misery and grief, stormy waters ~ and it continues to return to the encouraging message passed on from those who have experienced redemption: “From trouble, God will redeem us still.”Continue your reflections with the accompanying journal, which includes further questions for reflection and some invitations to prayer and practice.Paid subscribers receive a free journal PDF, or you can purchase a paperback versionVisit the Celtic Psalms website for scores/books, mp3s, CDs, and videos for O Give ThanksFind out more about the Habits for the Spirit course: an 8-week online course exploring habits and daily spiritual practices to promote wellbeing in body, mind, and spiritFollow Kiran’s monthly reflections on Bless My FeetPsalms for the Spirit is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to this new series, “Something Psalmic,” in which I invite my guests to share what’s lifting their spirits and offering them healing and hope right now.In this soulful episode of Psalms for the Spirit, I’m joined by Saima Masud, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with a deep passion for compassionate frameworks in antiracism, extremism, and everyday chaos. Saima brings both her professional wisdom and her personal story to this conversation ~ from navigating global crises to finding sacred steadiness in community, storytelling, and even her dreams.Together, we explore the psalmic practices that lift her spirit these days: reflecting through Ramadan, seeking art from unfamiliar corners of the world, connecting strangers through local storytelling events, and trekking mountains with quiet strength. Saima shares her three-part spiritual practice of hope ~ starting outward, moving inward ~ and the surprising ways trust and healing show up in small moments of connection.“Some things are not supposed to be answered ~ only noticed, watched, and waited on.”This episode is a tender reminder that hope is not always loud or easy, but it is alive, and it often begins with one simple act of paying attention.Featured Song:Psalm 91: All Who DwellA prayer of protection for a loved one, this psalm makes the hopeful claim that God will provide ultimate redemption from the evils that threaten us.Find out more about “Summer for the Spirit” at www.kiranyoungwimberly.com/summerDownload your free guide: “7 Spiritual Practices for Wellbeing in Uncertain Times”Become a Supporting/Paid SubscriberYou’ll get:* Complimentary access to the Habits for the Spirit course* Videos of the conversations in Substack* The Psalms for the Spirit Journal ebook* Invitations to future offerings for supporting subscribers throughout the yearPsalms for the Spirit is a listener-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

Recounting the story of the Exodus of the Hebrew people from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, this song is set to the English tune ‘The Snow it Melts the Soonest’ proclaims God’s compassion despite the people’s continued rebellion and doubt. Telling the tale plainly and with a slightly ominous tone, this Psalm invites us to confess our own propensity to turn away, even when God has done great things for us.Continue your reflections with the accompanying journal, which includes further questions for reflection and some invitations to prayer and practice.Paid subscribers receive a free journal PDF, or you can purchase a paperback versionVisit the Celtic Psalms website for scores/books, mp3s, CDs, and videos for Banks of the NileFind out more about the Habits for the Spirit course: an 8-week online course exploring habits and daily spiritual practices to promote wellbeing in body, mind, and spiritFollow Kiran’s monthly reflections on Bless My FeetPsalms for the Spirit is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to this new series, “Something Psalmic,” in which I invite my guests to share what’s lifting their spirits and offering them healing and hope right now.In this rich and moving episode of Psalms for the Spirit, I’m joined by Rev. Cheryl Meban ~ Presbyterian minister, university chaplain, member of the Corrymeela Community, choir singer, and faithful “walker of the Way.” Born during the conflict in Northern Ireland to English and Scots/Irish parents, Cheryl’s journey has taken her from Belfast to the south of France and back, guided always by the reconciling love of God.We talk about the psalmic thread woven through her life: from singing in choirs to walking alongside students, from moments of isolation to the strength found in community and scripture. Cheryl shares how Psalm 27 has grounded her through times of fear, challenge, and feeling unseen. We reflect on the healing power of breath, voice, and memorized poetry ~ and how singing together lifts us, literally and spiritually, into connection and courage.“Sometimes being in community with your past self is part of the story… knowing how God has held us and helped us in the past is part of holding us in the present.”This episode is a reminder that the ancient words of the Psalms still echo powerfully today ~ offering us solace, strength, and a sense of belonging, even when the way ahead feels uncertain.Cheryl’s Bio:Conceived in the loving heart of God, born as a youngest child to English and Scots/Irish parents in the sectarian conflict of Northern Ireland, a follower of Jesus, ambassador of Good News and God's reconciling work in the world. I graduated in Law, which I abandoned for the transforming power of Grace; lived 5 years in France, returned to NI in peace process; was trained and ordained a minister of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. After marriage and the birth of my only child, I became a Chaplain at Ulster University in Belfast, and more recently joined the dispersed Corrymeela Community,, where I lead monthly Corrymeela in the City in Fitzroy Church in Belfast. I'm a walker of the Way, happily accompanied by a small dog and a loving network of friends and family across faiths, denominations and nationalities (but particularly francophile). I do love singing especially in a choir - it incarnates breath and exhales wellbeing, lifting spirits and strengthening the brokenhearted.Connect with Cheryl through her social channels:FacebookX (twitter)InstagramFeatured Song:Psalm 27: The Lord is My LightThe air ‘Down in Yon Banke’ is originally a wordless Scottish country dance song, and in this rendition becomes a prayer for God’s eternal presence.Learn more about the Habits for the Spirit Course www.kiranyoungwimberly.com/habits-courseGet involved with “Summer for the Spirit” www.kiranyoungwimberly.com/summerDownload your free guide here: “7 Spiritual Practices for Wellbeing in Uncertain Times”Become a Supporting/Paid SubscriberYou’ll get:* Complimentary access to the Habits for the Spirit course* Videos of the conversations in Substack* The Psalms for the Spirit Journal ebook* Invitations to future offerings for supporting subscribers throughout the yearPsalms for the Spirit is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

This Psalm praises the God of creation and is based on an old version of the air ‘Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn,’ rediscovered by singer Pádraigin Ní Uallacháin, which marks the arrival of summer. It moves through various aspects of the natural world, considering how God is behind it all, and as the Psalm concludes, we are led into thankfulness for all of life’s “good things,” for life and breath, for which we might sing our undying praise.Continue your reflections with the accompanying journal, which includes further questions for reflection and some invitations to prayer and practice.Paid subscribers receive a free journal PDF, or you can purchase a paperback versionVisit the Celtic Psalms website for scores/books, mp3s, CDs, and videos for Praise the Lord All the Earth Find out more about the Habits for the Spirit course: an 8-week online course exploring habits and daily spiritual practices to promote wellbeing in body, mind, and spiritFollow Kiran’s monthly reflections on Bless My FeetPsalms for the Spirit is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to this new series, “Something Psalmic,” in which I invite my guests to share what’s lifting their spirits and offering them healing and hope right now.In this warm and wide-ranging conversation, I’m joined by Jim Deeds, a pastoral worker, poet, and author whose “yes” to God’s invitation years ago set him on a winding and spirit-filled path. Formerly a social worker, Jim now serves communities across Ireland ~ mostly in the Catholic sector ~ offering retreats, pilgrimages, and spiritual leadership training rooted in listening and discernment.We talk about that pivotal moment when he first said yes to facilitating a parish group ~ how it unexpectedly changed his life ~ and about what’s psalmic in his life right now: a creative writing community that gathered itself around him, almost out of nowhere. In a local café filled with young people from all walks of life, Jim is now witnessing deep honesty, shared pain, and surprising hope through the simple, sacred act of sharing writing with each other.“When God calls, God gifts.”This episode is a reminder that sacred spaces can appear in unexpected places ~ on a pilgrimage, in a café, while walking your dog ~ and that the psalmic invitation to praise, to lament, and to trust is always close by. Jim’s story will leave you smiling, stirred, and perhaps even open to the next quiet yes in your own life.Jim’s Bio:Jim Deeds is a pastoral worker, author, and poet. He works mainly ~ though not exclusively ~ in the Catholic sector, supporting groups, parishes, and dioceses as they seek to discern God's plan in their lives and communities.Connect with Jim through his social channels:FacebookX (twitter)InstagramFeatured Song:Psalm 133: How Good Is ItComparing harmony between kindred with the holy oil used for anointing in the temple of Jerusalem, this psalm claims that such experiences of community bring fullness of life.Learn more about the Habits for the Spirit Course www.kiranyoungwimberly.com/habits-courseGet involved with “Summer for the Spirit” www.kiranyoungwimberly.com/summerDownload your free guide here: “7 Spiritual Practices for Wellbeing in Uncertain Times”Become a Supporting/Paid SubscriberYou’ll get:* Complimentary access to the Habits for the Spirit course* Videos of the conversations in Substack* The Psalms for the Spirit Journal ebook* Invitations to future offerings for supporting subscribers throughout the yearPsalms for the Spirit is a listener-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

This Psalm is sung to the air ‘I Wish My Love was a Red, Red Rose,’ and praises God’s compassion and mercy. A song that is sweet and simple in some ways also explores the theme of forgiveness (“far as the east is from the west, so far God removes our sins”) and the finitude of our lives (“though all our days are like the grass that flourishes, then blows”), it remains grounded in the steadfast love of God that will remain far beyond our earthly existence.Continue your reflections with the accompanying journal, which includes further questions for reflection and some invitations to prayer and practice.Paid subscribers receive a free journal PDF, or you can purchase a paperback versionVisit the Celtic Psalms website for scores/books, mp3s, CDs, and videos for Bless the Lord, O My Soul Find out more about the Habits for the Spirit course: an 8-week online course exploring habits and daily spiritual practices to promote wellbeing in body, mind, and spiritFollow Kiran’s monthly reflections on Bless My FeetPsalms for the Spirit is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to this new series, “Something Psalmic,” in which I invite my guests to share what’s lifting their spirits and offering them healing and hope right now.In this episode of Psalms for the Spirit, I’m joined by Rev. Heather Prince Doss ~ an ordained Presbyterian minister, lifelong traveler, and founder of Progressive Pilgrimage, a ministry that guides spiritually rich journeys for open-hearted seekers. With over 16 years in parish ministry and a love for creative expression, Heather shares how travel, art journaling, and sacred disruption have become life-giving practices for her.We talk about the power of stepping outside familiar rhythms, the way art and poetry offer space for praise and lament, and how the most moving moments often arise from the unplanned and unexpected. Heather also reflects on the phrase wonder maker ~ a simple shift in language that offered a whole new way of experiencing the sacred.“What psalmic means to me is to bring all of that praise and lament and need before God in a creative way, whether that's words or music or something more visual.”If you're craving space to breathe, reflect, or reconnect with what grounds you, this conversation offers a gentle invitation to find what’s psalmic in your own journey.Heather’s Bio:Heather is a born traveler, literally. She was born in Germany to military parents, and a love for the world has never gotten out of her bones. This love has carried her all over the United States, to Central America, Europe, Southern Africa, the Middle East, and even to the Presbyterian United Nations Office as a lowly intern. The same love motivated her ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA) where she served as a parish pastor for over 16 years. Alongside parish ministry, Heather has worked serving unhoused communities. She is the founder and owner of Progressive Pilgrimage where where she now works full time to plan and lead spiritual travel for progressively-minded Christians and faith seekers. She is also a creative soul who loves expressing her faith with (very) amateur artistic pursuits like art journaling, poetry, and a variety of visual arts.Find more about Heather here:www.progressivepilgrimage.com Follow Heather on her social media:facebook: @progressivepilgrimage@heather.p.dossinstagram: @progressivepilgrimage@heather.prince.dossFeatured Song:Psalm 84: How LovelySet to the beautiful air, “Carrickfergus,” this psalm depicts the pilgrimage of faith, through which we are strengthened by God’s presence.Learn more about the Habits for the Spirit Course www.kiranyoungwimberly.com/habits-courseGet involved with “Summer for the Spirit” www.kiranyoungwimberly.com/summerDownload your free guide here: “7 Spiritual Practices for Wellbeing in Uncertain Times”Become a Supporting/Paid SubscriberYou’ll get:* Complimentary access to the Habits for the Spirit course* Videos of the conversations in Substack* The Psalms for the Spirit Journal ebook* Invitations to future offerings for supporting subscribers throughout the yearPsalms for the Spirit is a listener-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

This Psalm tells the story of one who is ill in mid-life and of the particular struggles of that experience. It is joined here with Irish words of the original song ‘Taim cortha o bheith im’Aonar mo lui,’ and the refrain “I am weary from being alone.” Both the Psalm and the Irish song contend with grief, loneliness, and the depth of life’s sorrows, yet they take some consolation from simply being able to express that experience in the context of prayer to a God whose “years are forever.”Continue your reflections with the accompanying journal, which includes further questions for reflection and some invitations to prayer and practice.Paid subscribers receive a free journal PDF, or you can purchase a paperback versionVisit the Celtic Psalms website for scores/books, mp3s, CDs, and videos for I am Weary Find out more about the Habits for the Spirit course: an 8-week online course exploring habits and daily spiritual practices to promote wellbeing in body, mind, and spiritFollow Kiran’s monthly reflections on Bless My FeetPsalms for the Spirit is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to this new series, “Something Psalmic,” in which I invite my guests to share what’s lifting their spirits and offering them healing and hope right now.In this inspiring episode of Psalms for the Spirit, I’m joined by Miriam Diephouse-McMillan, a chaplain, ordained minister, and author of Sacred Balance: How Ancient Practices Can Restore Modern Minds. Miriam has served for over 12 years as a spiritual caregiver in a state psychiatric hospital, where she walks alongside individuals facing profound mental health challenges ~ and where she’s witnessed the deep healing that spiritual practices can bring.Together, we explore what’s psalmic in Miriam’s life: the grounding rhythm of nature, the reflective power of writing, and how joy can be something we seek, not just stumble into. We also talk about the inspiration behind her book and the growing connection between spirituality and mental health in both research and real life."Seek the joy. This idea that joy isn't something that just randomly happens to us, but we can actively build it, seek it, look for it in our lives."If you’re longing for healing, perspective, and a grounded way to walk through this world with hope, this episode will speak to your spirit.Miriam’s Bio:Miriam works and writes at the intersection of Spirituality and Mental Health. She loves exploring big questions of meaning, hope, and connection that shape our faith and well-being. Miriam has been a chaplain at an inpatient psychiatric hospital for over 12 years. She provides spiritual care and counseling to people with a wide variety of mental health concerns and helps them explore how spirituality can enhance their well-being. She is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), and a Board Certified Chaplain. Her additional certificate in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy allows her to teach skills for managing difficult emotions and maintaining a fulfilling life.Find more about Miriam here: https://www.miriamdiephousemcmillan.com/Get a copy of Miriam’s book, Sacred Balance, for our Summer Co-Read!Featured Song:Psalm 25: For I waitSet to the traditional Irish tune For Ireland I’ll Not Tell Her Name, this reflective setting of Psalm 25 is a prayer of trust and longing. It speaks of waiting on God, and seeking God’s guidance, truth, and mercy throughout the day.Learn more about the Habits for the Spirit Course www.kiranyoungwimberly.com/habits-courseGet involved with “Summer for the Spirit” www.kiranyoungwimberly.com/summerDownload your free guide here: “7 Spiritual Practices for Wellbeing in Uncertain Times”Become a Supporting/Paid SubscriberYou’ll get:* Complimentary access to the Habits for the Spirit course* Videos of the conversations in Substack* The Psalms for the Spirit Journal ebook* Invitations to future offerings for supporting subscribers throughout the yearPsalms for the Spirit is a listener-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

‘Willy Taylor’ is the inspiration for this song of praise to a steadfast God. The Psalm tells the story of the Exodus, of the Hebrew people’s liberation from slavery, and of the joyful thanksgiving through which we can sing a new song, with the accompaniment of musical instruments and along with the rest of creation.Continue your reflections with the accompanying journal, which includes further questions for reflection and some invitations to prayer and practice.Paid subscribers receive a free journal PDF, or you can purchase a paperback versionVisit the Celtic Psalms website for scores/books, mp3s, CDs, and videos for Sing to the Lord Find out more about the Habits for the Spirit course: an 8-week online course exploring habits and daily spiritual practices to promote wellbeing in body, mind, and spiritFollow Kiran’s monthly reflections on Bless My FeetPsalms for the Spirit is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe