“For nearly a thousand years the priests and the Levites and lay people too sang the psalms in the Jerusalem temple. The Jews also used them in their synagogues and homes. It was traditional to sing Psalms 113–18 at the Passover meal. We know that Jesus used these psalms at the Last Supper, for the Gospels mention it in passing. Matthew 26:30 says “And when they had sung a hymn they went out to the Mount of Olives…”

“One of the reasons that the psalms are so beloved is that they express the full range of human emotions before God. The hymns of praise shout out the soaring joy of those who bear witness to God’s faithfulness. The prayers for help give voice to the groaning pain of those who long for—but cannot find—a faithful God in their suffering…”

“The Psalter ought to be a precious and beloved book. If for no other reason than this: it promises Christ’s death and resurrection so clearly—and pictures his kingdom and the condition and nature of all Christendom—that it might well be called a little Bible…”

“The Book of Psalms is an inexhaustible, inspired resource for the Christian church in every age, but its message is of special importance today. Some modern churches are facing reducing numbers and feel that they have their backs to the wall. The psalms of praise and thanksgiving will lift their eyes to the living God in all his greatness and grace and emphasize for them the glorious certainties of his plan and purpose for his people…”

“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…”

“the Psalms train us to pray with others who have prayed, and are still praying. They put our knees on the level with other bent knees; they lift our hands in concert with other lifted hands. In the Psalms we join our voices in lament and praise with other voices who weep and laugh…”

““We have now before us one of the choicest parts of the Old Testament, wherein there is so much of Christ and his gospel, as well as of God and his law, that it has been called the summary of both Testaments…”

“As in the pattern of the Lord’s Prayer, the most appropriate way to begin prayer is with adoration. Sadly, we are most often moved to prayer by our desires and needs. We go to God when we want something from Him…”

“THE Book of Psalms is the innermost sanctuary, the thrice Holy Place of the sanctuary of the Bible. In the rest of the Bible we receive instruction from God on the way to draw near to Him. In the Book of Psalms, God sets open the door of His secret dwelling-place…”