Like the skilled fingers on the strings of a harp, the Psalms touch and move the hearts of those individuals who will read and meditate upon them. Every emotion known to man is expressed in the Psalms, including fear and faith, hope and doubt, trust and anxiety, as inspired men of God shared their personal spiritual journeys in the service of God. The Psalms should be a constant resource to help the Christian learn how to praise and pray, to meditate and contemplate, to face life and death.
In an attempt to illustrate the value of the Psalms and encourage their frequent reading, I offer the following sampling of what Psalms might be read at different times in your life.
Are you remorseful and penitent for your sins? Read Psalms 51, 32
Are you experiencing affliction, and remain comfortless? Read Psalm 22
Are you steadfast in times of distress, and want encouragement? Read Psalms 27, 31
Are you under various mental strains? Read Psalms 41, 70
Are you falsely accused? Read Psalm 7
Are you in trouble? Read Psalms 54, 63
Are you tempted? Read Psalm 130
Are you wanting in confidence? Read Psalms 61, 91
Are you envious of the wicked? Read Psalm 73
Are you in a position of authority and need to be reminded of your responsibilities? Read Psalms 82, 101
Do you need to be reminded of the importance of humility? Read Psalm 131
Do you need to be reminded of the futility of this life? Read Psalms 39, 49, 90
Do you desire to pray for others? Read Psalm 20
Do you wish to praise God for His mercies in helping people through adverse circumstances? Read Psalms 34, 40
Do you wish to praise God for common blessings He has bestowed upon people? Read Psalm 46, 48, 66, 67
Do you desire to meditate upon the characteristics of God and praise Him especially for His grace and mercy? Read Psalms 23, 103, 121, 145, 146
Do you desire to meditate upon the attributes of God, such as His power? Read Psalms 8, 19, 65, 66, 97, 99, 104, 111, 139
Do you desire to mediate upon the magnificence of the Scriptures? Read Psalms 19, 119
Do you wish to gain instruction regarding the contrast between the righteous and the wicked? Read Psalms 1, 15, 25, 32, 34, 36, 37, 52, 127, 128
Do you wish to reflect upon the Messiah and His kingdom? Read Psalms 2, 16, 22, 40, 45, 72, 110
Do you desire to review the history of Israel? Read Psalms 78, 105, 106
To Accompany Morning Prayer - Read Psalms 5, 94, 95
To Accompany Evening Prayer - Read Psalms 4, 90, 139, 141
To Prepare For Private Devotion - Read Psalms 23, 27, 91, 103, 104, 138, 146
To Prepare For Public Worship - Read Psalms 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 122, 133, 134, 145, 147, 148
To Enhance The Observance Of The Lord's Supper - Read Psalm 22
To Enhance The Collection For The Saints - Read Psalms 41, 112