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The nine · for the precentor

Metre & Tunes

Selections and metre follow the Book of Psalms for Worship. Tunes are suggestions only — familiar common-metre tunes that carry these texts without fighting them — and should be settled with whoever leads the singing. The last column notes how much to attempt at one sitting.

PsalmTitleSelectionsSuggested tunesNote
35Plead my cause, O LORD35A · 35B · 35CDundee · MartyrdomLong: sing one cycle at a sitting.
55It was not an enemy that reproached me55A · 55BColeshill · St. FlavianStanzas 5–6 stand alone well.
58Do you indeed speak righteousness?58ABangor · KilmarnockShort enough to sing whole.
59They go round about the city like dogs59AStroudwater · DundeeThe two refrains make a natural pair.
69The zeal of your house has consumed me69A · 69B · 69CMartyrdom · WindsorLongest of the nine; take a section.
79The nations have come into your inheritance79AColeshill · BangorSuited to a day of humiliation.
83Do not keep silent, O God83AKilmarnock · WiltshireEnd on stanza 6.
109Do not be silent, O God of my praise109A · 109BStroudwater · St. FlavianSing 1–2 with 7–8 for a short setting.
137By the rivers of Babylon137A · 137BWindsor · ColeshillWell known; a good first psalm of the nine.

All nine are set in common metre in BPW; where a psalm has a second setting, either may be used. Provisional until checked against your edition.