How to Read the Psalms
The book of Psalms is unlike any other part of the Bible. It is a collection of 150 poems and songs that span the full range of human experience — from soaring praise to raw lament, from deep gratitude to anguished questions. It is the Bible's prayer book.
What Are the Psalms?
The word 'psalm' comes from the Greek word for a song sung to a stringed instrument. The Psalms were the hymn book of ancient Israel, used in worship at the Temple. They were written over many centuries, with contributions from King David (73 psalms attributed to him), Solomon, Moses, Asaph, and others.
Jesus quoted the Psalms more than any other book. They shaped His prayer life, His understanding of His own mission (Psalm 22 is quoted at the cross), and His worship.
Types of Psalms
Understanding the different types of psalms helps you read them well:
- Praise Psalms: Celebrating who God is (Psalm 8, 100, 145, 150)
- Lament Psalms: Crying out to God in pain and confusion (Psalm 22, 42, 88). These are the largest category.
- Thanksgiving Psalms: Gratitude for what God has done (Psalm 18, 30, 116)
- Wisdom Psalms: Instruction on how to live (Psalm 1, 37, 119)
- Royal Psalms: About the king of Israel and, ultimately, the Messiah (Psalm 2, 22, 110)
How to Read a Psalm Well
1. Read it slowly — out loud if possible
The Psalms are poetry meant to be heard. Reading aloud helps you feel the rhythm, the emotion, and the structure.
2. Notice the movement
Many psalms follow a pattern: a cry of distress → a turning to God → renewed trust and praise. Even when the psalmist is in agony, he turns toward God.
3. Let the psalms give you language
One of the greatest gifts of the Psalms is that they teach us how to pray. They give us words for every emotion — anger, grief, joy, confusion, wonder.
4. Look for Christ
Many Psalms are Messianic — they point to Jesus, sometimes in stunning detail (Psalm 22, 110). Read them with eyes for how they anticipate and illuminate Jesus.
A Suggested Practice
Read one Psalm a day as part of your daily quiet time. If you follow the traditional five-Psalms-a-day practice (reading Psalm 1 + 31 + 61 + 91 + 121 together, then 2 + 32 + 62 + 92 + 122, etc.), you will complete the entire Psalter every month.