The Hymn Psalms are songs of praise to God. They were sung as part of worship on different occassions, or they could be sung by individuals or choirs. Their basic form has three parts. The introduction is a call for the worship to give praise to God. The body of the psalm explains why God should be praised with descriptions of God’s attributes and deeds. The conclusion is a renewed summons of praise. The Hymns Psalms are often easily identified by the presence of the word “Hallelujah.” Hallelujah is the English translation of the Hebrew phrase, “Praise Yahweh.”
Questions
1. Try to name a hymn or song that is based on or uses similar words as the daily psalm. If you need assistance, do an internet search to find a familiar hymn or a new worship song.
2. How can you use music to enhance time spent in your devotion? You can play a special piece of music as you read, or read the psalm and then listen to music as your reflection.
3. Not long ago psalms were the only music sung in certain churches, but today we more often hear the psalms spoken. Try to add a tune to the day’s psalm so it becomes a song. It does not have to perfect or beautiful. Does singing the psalm change its meaning for you?
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come into his presence with singing.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name.
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations