PSALMS AND THE CHRISTIAN

THE CHRISTIAN’S HYMNAL

INTRODUCTION

In the introduction to the book of Psalms, we made brief reference t the fact that different styles were used in composing the Psalms.  In other words, some were written for praise and devotion, others for prayer and petition, and so on.  In this study, we shall pay special attention to those psalms that are songs of praise.  The purpose will be to illustrate how the book of Psalms can be used by the Christian as a tool (hymnal) to offer joyful praise and devotion to God.

There are several classes of psalms which are geared toward singing praises to God.

I. PSALMS DESIGNED FOR USE IN SINGING PRAISES

A. The most obvious are the “Hallelujah” psalms.  These are songs beginning and/or ending with “blessed be the Lord”, “praise the Lord”, or “hallelujah”.  Psalm 148 is an example of this type of psalm.  Often called “The Joy-Song of Creation”, it has inspired many of our modern song writers.  For example, the song “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah”.  Notice Psalms 146-150 all begin and end with “praise the Lord”.

B. A similar group of psalms are those classified as psalms of “Praise”.  These psalms of praise are more general in nature.  An example would be Psalm 100.  It is described by some as “A Song of Praise for the Lord’s Faithfulness to His People”.  Compare it to the modern song entitled “All People That on Earth Do Dwell”. Another example of a psalm of praise is Psalm 8.

C.  Another grouping are the psalms of “Thanksgiving”.  Many of these Psalms fit into more than one category.  These psalms are expressions of grateful praise to Jehovah and thanksgiving to Him for deliverance, greatness, etc. One example is Psalm 100 especially verses 4 and 5.  Another example is Psalm118; a responsive psalm in which thanksgiving is offered for the Lord’s saving goodness.

II. THE CHRISTIAN’S USE OF THESE PSALMS

A. We can make use of these psalms by using those psalms already arranged for our singing.  Like those often found in modern songbooks.  There are even special hymnals devoted to arranging psalms to fit the way we sing today.  One of these is “Selected Psalms for Church Singing” by C.E.I. Publishing Co.

B. We can also learn to read the psalms of praise and thanksgiving with an attitude of joyful praise.  This way even if all we have is the Bible, we can still offer up praises to God by using the book of Psalms.  This can be done on an individual basis.  It requires both an active imagination and a true spirit of devotion and praise.  Choose one of the psalms of thanksgiving and praise to read.  As you read, do so slowly, allowing the words to make a deep impression on your heart.  Read them as though you were actually singing them, letting the thoughts of devotion and praise be YOUR thoughts of devotion and praise to God.  This way, even if you are only reading to yourself, you are still making melody with your heart to the Lord.

CONCLUSION

It is my hope that we come to appreciate the book of Psalms as they were originally intended to be:  a collection of songs, many of which were specifically designed to be offered in praise to the Lord. Though they may not rhyme and are not set to music, it is still possible for Christians to take them and make melody with our hearts to the Lord. In the next study, we will consider how the Psalms can be of help in learning how to pray.