[Jesus] said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.’—Luke 24:44 (NIV)

     Welcome to the introduction to Simple Songs for Psalms.

Introduction
     The singing of Psalms was an important part of Jesus’ life on earth and of the developing worship practice of the early church. It is clear that many of the Psalms were sung; indeed, the Psalms themselves invite one to sing in numerous places. In western Protestantism, the practice of singing the Psalms has declined, and thus very few people sing the Psalms as part of their personal devotions.
     One cause for this decline is the complexity of the various song traditions for the Psalms, involving singing the Psalms in another language or singing them according to a complex musical scheme. Many people prefer simply to read or study the Psalms (both of which are admirable practices).
     But there are some very good reasons for also singing the Psalms, the most important of which is that to sing the Psalms is to receive them as they were originally delivered—as song lyrics. In light of the extensive use of the Psalms in the New Testament, it is clear that they provide a prophetic and theological foundation for the authors’ thinking and therefore constitute an important part of our Christian heritage.
     Simple Songs for Psalms is dedicated to providing simple, easy-to-learn songs for singing the Psalms as a part of personal devotions, quiet time, and worship. There is an optional discussion of the Psalms and the reason for singing the Psalms, accessible through the following links:

     Why sing the Psalms?
     What are the Psalms?
          The Psalms as poetry
          The Psalms as literature
          The Psalms as songs
          The Psalms as praise and devotion
          The Psalms as Scripture
          The Psalms reveal the mind of God
          The Psalms witness to the Messiah
     What is the significance of singing?
          Music alone
          Singing as incarnation
          Preparing to sing the Psalms

     Otherwise, to get started, watch the short video tutorial on Singing the Psalms.

 
Copyright, 2010-2011, by Robert McAnally Adams,
        Curator, Christian Quotation of the Day.
Logo image Copyright 1996 by Shay Barsabe, of “Simple GIFs”, by kind permission.
Send comments to curator@cqod.com.

Last updated: 3/6/11

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