In this holiday month of August we are going to treat ourselves with reading Psalms together. Many Christians have particular Psalms which are “their” Psalms. By this they mean that at some stage they have identified very strongly with the sentiments expressed in the psalm. As a result, when they say the words of the psalm they are telling God what they really feel. This in turn leads to a prayerful state in which they hear what God is saying to them more clearly than usual. For most of us, the sheer number of psalms (150) means that we don’t know quite where to begin in finding psalms which express our own thoughts. In August we are looking at a “top 20” to assist in this matter. If you are surprised, and possibly saddened that one or more or “your” psalms are not on the list, I hope that you will be comforted in the knowledge that this means that you have a greater opportunity of adopting one or more new psalms To make life even simpler I have split them up into five categories (adoration, intercession, confession, thanks and the nature of God) so that there are only 4 psalms to choose from in each category. Once we have adopted one or more of these psalms, let us not be afraid of using them often. The benefit of knowing the words is that we can turn our attention to telling God exactly how we feel and listening to what God is saying to us. I hope that each of us will take the opportunity to take ownership of one or more new Psalms.
If you want to focus on the wonder of who God is, these psalms of adoration may be helpful Psalm 8 Creation Psalm 46 Strength Psalm 62 Waiting for God Psalm 84 Separation If you want to bring the needs of others to God in intercession, these psalms may be helpful Psalm 23 contentment Psalm 42 Thirst Psalm 122 Jerusalem Psalm 121 Lift up eyes If you want to lay yourself open to God and repent, these psalms of confession may be helpful Psalm 1 Wisdom Psalm 51 Repentance Psalm 130 Out of depths Psalm 131 Confession If you want to count your blessings and be thankful, these psalms may be helpful Psalm 117 Loving kindness Psalm 136 Love endures Psalm 103 Mercy and wisdom Psalm 145 Praise If you want to probe the very nature of God these psalms may be helpful: Psalm 137 Sorrow Psalm 37 Help Psalm 22 Redeemer Psalm 139 Who God is