The book of Psalms contains some of the greatest words ever written, sung, and prayed. Unlike other books of the Bible, this book is to be read every day of our lives. It is the prayer book of the Church.

The psalms are often lyrics of songs for worship or outlines of liturgical services. When you read the Psalms, try to imagine the movement of the people at worship in the Temple. Also, remember that the Psalms are poetry. Therefore, they are more to be proclaimed than explained. Finally, pretend that the psalms were not numbered. For example, read five psalms as if they were one psalm. You may discover a spiritual order in which God will give you new insights.

Key word    PRAISE
 
Key verse    "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Alleluia." —150:6
 
Command verse    "Happy the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, but delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on His law day and night." —1:1-2
 
Promise verse    "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves. Many are the troubles of the just man, but out of them all the Lord delivers him." —34:19-20
 
Difficult verse    "Happy the man who shall seize and smash your little ones against the rock!" —137:9
 
Surprise verse    "Let them dissolve like a melting snail." —58:9
 
Prayer: Father, by the power of the Spirit, may I bless You with all my soul at all times (103:1; 34:2).