We began a new season going through a selection of Psalms. In an effort to resource your discipleship with Jesus and one another, we’ve collated a plethora of resources on the Psalms and prayer.
As Jon encouraged us in the first teaching, remember:
Consistency is greater than intensity.
Delight is greater than duty.
Choose freedom over formulas.
Reading Plans:
A one page layout with two options for reading through the Psalms in a month here.
If you prefer a 60 day plan, find one here.
Memorization:
Gavin Ortlund writes a short blog on memorizing a Psalm here.
This is a helpful article on the process and prayers involved in memorizing Psalms.
A suggested list of Psalms to memorize from Biola/Talbot Seminary here.
Books on the Psalms:
A year long devotional from Tim Keller here.
A Case For The Psalms by N.T. Wright here.
Bible Project Videos:
Walter Brueggeman’s Spirituality of the Psalms:
Act I - The Psalms of Orientation are prayers that affirm that God is on the throne and life is good and well-ordered. These are the “summer psalms.” Genres of orientation: psalms of praise (8, 29, 33, 65, 66, 67, 95, 100, 103, 104, 111, 113, 117, 134, 139, 145, 146, 147, 148, 150); psalms of enthronement (2, 24, 47, 68, 93, 96, 97, 98, 99, 110); psalms of Zion (48, 87, 123, 132); psalms of ascent (120 through 134); and psalms of wisdom, (1, 14, 15, 19, 37, 49, 73, 90, 112,119, 127, 128, 133).
Act II - The Psalms of Disorientation are prayers that question God, God’s ways, and God’s presence, from a place of pain, suffering, disappointment or persecution. These are the “winter psalms.” Genres of disorientation: psalms of lament (5, 6, 12, 13, 17, 22, 25, 28, 31, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43 44, 55, 57, 60, 69, 70, 74, 77, 79, 80, 82, 85, 88, 94, 102, 120, 123, 130, 140, 141, 142, 143); psalms of spiritual warfare (‘cursing psalms’) (7, 10, 35, 52, 53, 55, 58, 59, 64, 69, 83, 109, 120, 129, 137). Interestingly, lament is by far the largest category of psalms.
Act III - The Psalms of Reorientation are prayers that look back on suffering through the lens of God’s provision and deliverance. These are the “springtime psalms.” Genres of new-orientation: psalms of sacred history (76, 78, 81, 105, 106, 114, 135, 136); psalms of thanksgiving (18, 30, 32, 34, 92, 107, 116, 118, 124, 126, 138); psalms of trust (Psalm 3, 4, 9, 11, 16, 23, 27, 54, 56, 62, 63, 71, 84, 86, 91, 108, 115, 121, 125, 131).
Prayer Practices:
Lectio Divina is practice used throughout church history of integrating prayer, bible reading, and contemplation all together - A helpful introduction can be found here. An article on it from Richard Foster can be found here. Click here for a simple one page breakdown.
Examen or Prayer of Examen is another contemplative practice that brings greater awareness of God’s presence throughout the day. Here’s a good introduction and breakdown, and Intervarsity shares a blog with an invitation and experience of Examen.
Podcast//Teaching//Article:
Dr. Curt Thompson has written a lot on the soul, shame, and neuroscience. Here he offers thoughts and prayer practices for those that struggle with feeling overwhelming
Tim Keller gives a sermon on prayer and the Psalms.
Jen Wilkin integrates prayer when we struggle to understand the Bible.
Books:
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook - Adele Calhoun - A great resource giving introductions and examples of many practices and habits of the Christian life.
57 Words that Changed the World - Darrell Johnson - Small book on the Lord’s Prayer
Prayer - Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God - By Tim Keller - Pure gold here. (Here’s 20 quotes from the book)