This week we enter into the book of Psalms. The book of Psalms is a compilation of writings from a variety of authors and written over a long period of time. Most often we associate the Psalms with David, but others such as Moses, Solomon, Asaph, and the sons of Korah are named as authors. There are different types of psalms; however, the most common types are these: praise, lament (both individual and communal), thanksgiving, royal (about Jerusalem and/or the king), and wisdom. As you read, try to put each psalm into a category based on the major theme or message. For us, the psalms have many uses. We can read them as the testimonies of God's people or as the heartfelt prayers of God's people or as words of praise and thanksgiving to God. When we find it hard to pray, we can go to the psalms and join with the psalmists as they bring their prayers/songs to God. You may also want to find musical settings to these psalms online as another way to enter into the text and to feel some of what the psalmist was trying to say. Enjoy this journey through the psalms; praying that they provide a blessing to you as you read. We enter our rhythm of LEARN-READ-INTERACT.

From How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens, Michael Williams makes these points about Psalms:

Phrase: Lament and Praise
Theme: God the Great King provides the words of lament and praise that are appropriate responses to him.
Christ-Focus: Christ is the embodiment and means for our appropriate response to the Great King (Colossians 1:15-18).
Implications: We can talk to God about everything as we grow in teh unbreakable relationship with the Father that Jesus has secured for us (Philippians 4:6-7).
Questions: Is your faith strong enough for you to be honest with God? Is there room in your faith community for you to express these feelings? What is your motivation for prayer?

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