Traditional Uses of the Psalms

Reading

• Often, people enjoy reading Psalms in a variety of settings, public and private alike. The different aspects of the Psalms, including devotional, poetic, for praise and worship and prophetic passages, speak to a wide range of individuals, no matter their circumstances.
  
  

Praying

• Others enjoy praying the Psalms aloud, either publicly or in their private devotion time with God. They might reflect on the struggles of the psalmist and his eventual victory, as he remembered to hope and trust in God during his times of difficulty. The ability to identify with him brings encouragement, as they can believe that if David overcomes his difficulties, they can, as well.
  
  

Singing

• Many individuals have sung the Psalms for thousands of years. In fact, when David wrote the Psalms, he sang them to God as he tended his father's sheep. Biblical scholars agree that as the Psalms were birthed in his heart, they formed a foundation for his strong relationship with God and later ability to kill Goliath, overcome his foes and become the beloved king and leader of Israel.
  
  Julia M. O'Brien, a Hebrew Old Testament scholar, states that the first English version of the Psalms was in use since 1562, if not before. Since then, U2 and Coolio have written songs incorporating Psalms, and contemporary praise music in many churches includes verses from the Psalms, as well.
  
  

Church

• Many churches use the Psalms as part of the church service. From formal liturgies to weekly church bulletins, the Psalms promise comfort, peace and strength for what lies ahead. Psalms provide a favorite choice for many at funeral services, particularly one commonly used passage, Psalm 116:15: "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."
  
  

Teaching Children

• Illustrated children's books depicting the 23rd Psalm or other passages encourage children. The visual pictures presented through the Psalms communicate simple Bible truths to children clearly. Often, the first passage of scripture many children memorize is Psalm 23.