THE BOOK OF PSALMS It is the longest book in the Bible and contains 150 Psalms.

David did not write all the Psalms. Many are linked to the name of David, but modern scholars state that the composition of the Psalms had various authors – of which David was one – writing between the 9th and 5th centuries BC. Regardless of who wrote them the Psalms contain such writings that are relevant to today’s challenges of living a strong and good Christian life. In our Good News Bible, the introduction to the Psalms says that “The Book of Psalms is the hymn book and prayer book of the Bible” - a dual purpose book. These religious “poems” are of many kinds: there are hymns of praise and worship of God; prayers for help, protection, and salvation; pleas for forgiveness, songs of thanksgiving for God’s blessings; and petitions for the punishment of enemies. These prayers are both personal and national; some portray the most intimate feelings of one person whilst others represent the needs and feelings of all the people of God. It is like a reference book for Christians. The most loved and familiar Psalm is, of course, Psalm 23 “The Lord is my shepherd” but there are many other Psalms that resonate with Christians all over the world, Psalm 121 “I to the hills will lift mine eyes from whence does come mine aid”. The last verses of Psalm 24 are the words of a great hymn, and the Book of Psalms can be used for daily devotion.

 Gwen Irving