This lovely post from Via Lucis was almost deleted in the avalanche of campaign soliticitations in this morning’s in-box. Scroll down for the post. It lifted my spirits, prompting the following thank you:

Dennis and PJ, Your post gave me a lift this morning. Such grandeur. I am so weary of campaign television ads, phone calls, and internet solicitations that reduce the human spirit to its smallest proportions. I need the height, the soaring arches, the clean lines – and the reminder that sometimes even barbarity recognizes something else worth preserving. Beautiful shots and great commentary.

An English Friend in Norman Coutances (Dennis Aubrey).

Their post took me to the psalms, and psalm paraphrases set to music. One is Christopher L. Webber’s “I will give thanks with my whole heart,” a paraphrase of Psalm 138 set to the music of Cantionale Germanicum (1628) arranged by J.S. Bach (c. 1708).

All kings on earth who hear Your words,

O Lord, will give you thanks and praise

And tell how great Your glory is,

And they will sing of all Your ways.

…

The Lord is high, yet scornes the proud,

Protects the lowly on their path;

Although I walk in trouble, Lord,

You keep me safe from my foe’s wrath.

…

Lord, Your right hand shall save my life

And make Your purpose for me sure;

Do not forsake what You have made;

Your love forever will endure.

– Third, fourth and fifth stanzas