September 3, 2021 – Psalm 105:16–106:48     

“Praise the Lord! O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    for his steadfast love endures forever. Who can utter the mighty doings of the Lord, or declare all his praise?Happy are those who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times. Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people; help me when you deliver them; that I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory in your heritage.” Psalm 106:1-5

The early church’s use of the psalms was in keeping with what we might expect from the early church: the church used the Psalms both as liturgical materials to sing the praises of the Lord, and as words that express their understanding of G-d’s works. Evidence for the first use of these songs is found in Paul’s advice to the Colossians: that they were to “sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.”  The book of Psalms is quoted and alluded to in the New Testament more than any other Old Testament book. (The New Interpreter’s Bible, Volume IV)

I think it is difficult for us to look at the Psalms as just liturgical material because we often sing them in worship. But many do not know that the Psalm selected for each Sunday is selected specifically to support the Old Testament lesson.

No matter the reason for which Psalm is selected on a Sunday, the psalms are a great source of liturgical poetry and words of meditation, and we should study them as often as possible.

Let Us Pray,

Lord, just like Paul, we encourage each other to sing psalms and hymns as part of our praise of you. Give us the words every day to praise and thank you for your marvelous works. Amen.

Pastor Dave