Episode How to Read the Psalms | Week 1
The Psalms are not a random collection of ancient poems, but are an intentionally organized testimony of a faithful God who hears all who cry out to him in praise or pain, wisdom or confusion, in confidence or doubt. The narrative arc of this anthology is not only about past movements of God in Israel, but offers future promises about where all of Creation is headed—toward a new reality where we dwell with God and he with us, forever. In this series, we will be exploring an anthology that tells a bigger story than its individual parts. This anthology is not made up of poems from one person, but includes poems from several different authors. It includes poems that cover different time periods and poems that were written in different locations and even countries. Yet this collection of poems has a very specific theme and structure, and the overall anthology tells a story—a very important story—a surprising story.
Chapter 1
The psalms were written by various authors in various locations over a long period of time. Yet together, they communicate one cohesive message. Today on Discover the Word, the team will discover why Martin Luther called the Psalms “The Little Bible.” Join us for the series, “How to Read the Psalms,” today on Discover the Word!
Chapter 2
Most of the time, we read a psalm here or a psalm there, whatever seems most relevant to the moment. But reading the psalms in order can reveal a bigger narrative. Today on Discover the Word, the team will look at how each section of the psalms tells a different story. Did you know there are 5 books of psalms in the book of Psalms? Well, take your seat at the table, today for Discover the Word!
Chapter 3
The book of psalms is often considered a book of songs or poems. But many of them also bear a surprising resemblance to prayer. Today on Discover the Word, the team considers how the psalms can be a prayer book for us today. Hear another helpful discussion in the series, “How to Read the Psalms” today on Discover the Word!
Chapter 4
Sometimes, we idolize Bible heroes, praising their strengths and ignoring their weaknesses. But the people God uses are never perfect. Today on Discover the Word, the team will consider how the psalmists expressed their human shortcomings. Who wrote the psalms? Discover that in today’s conversation on Discover the Word!
Chapter 5
A writer may use a word over and over to emphasize its importance. And throughout the hundreds of psalms in the Old Testament, one word stands out above the rest. Today on Discover the Word, the team will talk about how the Hebrew word hesed expresses the primary message of the Psalms and what it means for our faith today. Tune in today for Discover the Word!