PSALM 1
Happy is the person who does not follow the advice of the wicked
nor take the way of sinners,
nor sit amongst the scornful.
His or her delight is in the teaching of the LORD,
meditating on it day and night 
Such a person is like a single tree, 
planted in the midst of a vast irrigation system; 
it bears fruit in its right time,
and its leaves never wither.
And their every endeavour is successful.
This is not how it is for the wicked;
rather, they are like chaff which the wind scatters.
And so, the wicked shall not stand in the judgement (place),
nor the sinners in the assembly of the godly;
for the LORD watches over the way of the godly person,
but the way of the wicked shall pass away.
 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (From Psalm 1)
Merciful God,
creator of all that is, seen and unseen,
our delight is in your word
and we have a deep sense of your presence
when we allow it to fill our lives night and day.
For the times when we listen to the advice
of those who rebel against you,
Lord have mercy.
For those times when we can be found with those who scorn,
Christ have mercy.
We experience your blessings 
like a tree that is planted beside a never-failing stream
For those times when we do not bear the fruits of your abundance,
Lord have mercy.

Merciful God, 
renew us by your nurture and blessing,
so that we may prosper in your ways.
Watch over us,
so that the ways of the wicked pass from us. Amen.
 

Psalm 1 
The person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of the scoffers
is blessed;
such a person experiences delight in the teaching of the LORD,
musing on it, day and night.
He or she is like a single tree, planted in the midst of a vast irrigation system; 
it bears fruit in its right time,
; and its leaves never wither.
And his or her every endeavour is successful.
This is not how it is for the wicked;
rather, they are like chaff which the wind scatters.
And so, the wicked shall not stand in the judgement (place),
nor the sinners in the assembly of the godly;
for the LORD cares about the way of the godly person,
but the way of the wicked shall pass away.
 

REFLECTING ON PSALM 1 
Meditating day and night on your instruction, O Lord
I find delight and a sense of completeness,
of satisfaction, after a meal with friends.
There is no joy in the shallow and momentary pleasures
of those who sneer at the misfortune of others,
or scoff and babble in idle chatter,
and disregard the lovingkindness of your ways, O LORD.
To sit under your word, O LORD, 
is like being lifted out of the parched soil of my old life,
and replanted in rich soil beside everflowing streams of plentiful, cool water.
It seems that I continue to bear the abundant fruit of your presence 
in my life,
and there is fresh growth within me 
-- like a tree which is always sprouting new leaves --
which rouses delight, even amazement, in others.
There were times when it was not so;
I felt disconnected, chaff-like, blown about by fickle winds.
But the persistent blowing of your Spirit, gracious LORD,
has brought me to new life 
under your watching and caring, 
within the great congregation of your faithful people.

Looking for contemporary music and song resources? Try David MacGregor's Together to Celebrate
Or metrical psalms? Try Dale A. Schoening's Sing the Psalms

HYMN SUGGESTIONS FOR EASTER 7 - YEAR B
All hail the power of Jesus' name	TIS 224	AHB 159
Blessed be the everlasting God	TIS 114
Crown him with many crowns	TIS 228	AHB 163
Father, Lord of all Creation	TIS 631	AHB 567
Filled with the Spirit's power, with one accord	TIS 411	AHB 328
Happy are they who walk in God's wise ways	TIS 1	SA 43
In the presence of your people	TIS 727	SA 52
Jesus shall reign where'er the sun	TIS 207	AHB 136
Jesus, lover of my soul	TIS 211	AHB 139
May the grace of Christ our Saviour	TIS 777	AHB 373
O Spirit of the living God	TIS 405	AHB 318
Pour out thy Spirit from on high	TIS 451	AHB 378
Praise, my soul, the king of heaven;	TIS 134	AHB 68
Son of God, eternal Saviour	TIS 606	AHB 529
Ye gates lift up your heads	TIS 12	AHB 286
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Holy Spirit, go before us	TIS 420
O for a heart to praise my God	TIS 568	AHB 476
Spread, O spread, almighty word	TIS 450
Strengthen for service, Lord, the hands	TIS 496	AHB 417
Psalm 1
Blessed are those whose way is blameless	TIS 75
Happy are they who walk in God's wise ways	TIS 1	SA 43
l John 5:9-13
Firmly I believe and truly	TIS 140	AHB 78
In great thanksgiving	TIS 632
Now is eternal life	TIS 385	AHB 305
Soul of my Saviour, sanctify my breast	TIS 502
This is the truth we hold	TIS 469
To Christ, the Prince of peace	TIS 335
John 17:6-19
Lord, keep us steadfast in your word	TIS 436
Now is eternal life	TIS 385	AHB 305
O love how deep, how broad, how high!	TIS 194	AHB 6
Praise for the Spirit of God	TIS 423
Son of God, eternal Saviour	TIS 606	AHB 529
We are your people,	TIS 468	SA 90