Introduction to Praying the Psalms
The Book of Psalms is a collection of 150 poems, songs, and prayers compiled into five books during the period following Israel's exile to Babylon. Various contributors, including Asaph, Korah, Solomon, and even Moses, contributed to this collection, but David is credited with the majority, having composed 73 psalms (with possibly more among the anonymous ones).
Since the beginning of the Church, the Psalms have played a central role in worship and daily life, often recited in the morning before the day’s activities. They help refocus our attention on God and give voice to our deepest emotions. Many of us find it challenging to express ourselves openly to God, often approaching Him with hesitance and formality. However, the Psalms encompass the full range of human feelings—anger, sadness, joy, and a profound longing for justice. They provide the words to pray when we struggle to articulate our own thoughts. Remarkably, when we pray the Psalms, we are echoing the words of Christ Himself, who empathizes with us and reassures us of His redemptive work and our righteous standing before God.
In a world filled with uncertainty, many, like myself, find it difficult to keep our eyes fixed on Christ and His kingdom amid daily troubles and the competing powers of earthly rulers. The Psalms redirect our focus to higher things, allowing us to connect with those who have prayed the same prayers in times of both prosperity and hardship. They remind us of God’s sovereignty and control, assuring us that a day will come when evil will cease, and we will dwell in His house forever. Until that day arrives, let us hold fast to God’s promises, many of which we find in the Psalms.
Since the beginning of the Church, the Psalms have played a central role in worship and daily life, often recited in the morning before the day’s activities. They help refocus our attention on God and give voice to our deepest emotions. Many of us find it challenging to express ourselves openly to God, often approaching Him with hesitance and formality. However, the Psalms encompass the full range of human feelings—anger, sadness, joy, and a profound longing for justice. They provide the words to pray when we struggle to articulate our own thoughts. Remarkably, when we pray the Psalms, we are echoing the words of Christ Himself, who empathizes with us and reassures us of His redemptive work and our righteous standing before God.
In a world filled with uncertainty, many, like myself, find it difficult to keep our eyes fixed on Christ and His kingdom amid daily troubles and the competing powers of earthly rulers. The Psalms redirect our focus to higher things, allowing us to connect with those who have prayed the same prayers in times of both prosperity and hardship. They remind us of God’s sovereignty and control, assuring us that a day will come when evil will cease, and we will dwell in His house forever. Until that day arrives, let us hold fast to God’s promises, many of which we find in the Psalms.