(A collusion amongst the KJV, the NRSV, but ultimately the Revised Songbird Version.)
Reader One: I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help.
All: We lift up our eyes to the hills — from where will our help come?
Reader Two: Where *does* our help come from?
Reader One: Our help comes from God, who made heaven and earth.
Women: God who keeps us will not slumber.
Reader Two: God will not slumber?
Reader One: God keeps watch over all people and will not slumber *or* sleep.
Men: God is our keeper. God is our shade, right beside us.
Reader Two: Right beside us?
Reader One: Yes. Right beside. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
All: God is always with us.
Reader One: God will preserve you from all evil.
Right Side: God will take care of our souls.
Left Side: God will keep our lives.
Reader Two: Even my life?
Reader One: Even that. God will keep your going in and your coming out, always.
All: God will preserve us, going out and coming in, in this time and forevermore.
Very nice … the questions could be campy, but they’re not; they’re simple and sincere.
Oh my gosh. I hope those people know how lucky they are to have you.
Joshua, my 15 year old daughter is going to be Reader Two, and we discussed the tone required: wide-eyed and amazed, as if hearing about God for the first time. Thanks for your feedback.
MB, I feel lucky to be there, and hope we will all benefit from some creative approaches to scripture.
Martha, I love this! May I borrow it sometime?
That will be so lovely my friend. You are amazing…
Preacher Mom, of course!