Praying The Psalms (Martin Luther)

“This book of Psalms is, in my opinion, of a different nature from all the other books. For in the other books we are taught what we ought to do, both by precept and example. But this book not only teaches us, but shows us in what way and manner we may do the Word, and imitate the examples it contains.

For it is not in our power or strength to fulfil the law of God, or to imitate Christ: all we can do, is, to desire and pray that we might be able to do the Word, and imitate Christ’s example; and, when we have gained some power so to do, to praise, and give thanks unto God. What else then is the Psaltry, but praying to, and praising of, God? that is, a book of hymns?

Therefore, the most gracious and blessed Spirit of God, the Father of his humble scholars, and the teacher of infants, well knowing that “we know not how to pray as we ought,” (as Paul saith,) in order to help our infirmities, (like schoolmasters who compose letters or subjects for their pupils to write home to their parents,) has prepared for us in this book words and feeling sensations, in which we may converse with our heavenly Father, and pray unto him concerning those things which he has taught us in the other books are to be done and imitated; that man may not want any thing that is necessary unto his eternal salvation. So great are the care of God over us, and his kindness to us!—Who is blessed for ever.”(1)

Throughout the centuries, across denominations, continents, and cultures, the people of God have routinely found life in praying through the Psalms. Join us Wednesday mornings as we corporately sit with God in the wrestling, lamenting, adoring, interceding, hoping, thanksgiving… of The Psalms.

(1) Luther, Martin. 1826. Select Works of Martin Luther: An Offering to the Church of God in “The Last Days.” Translated by Henry Cole. Vol. III. London: T. Bensley.