Books
- Psalms
Psalms
Categories of Psalms
Lament – A song that expresses sadness to the Lord by an individual or group and asks His help to remedy the situation (this is the largest category; more than 60%).
Declarative praise – A song that praises God for His specific deliverance in a situation.
Descriptive praise – A song that praises God for His great attributes and His mighty deeds, in general.
Didactic – A Psalm that teaches about wisdom (e.g., Psalm 1), Torah, or other key topics.
Songs of Trust – emphasize that God is trustworthy and can be trusted, even when the circumstances are bleak and despairing.
See The Psalms Arranged by Category for reference.
The Specific Contribution to Our Spiritual Formation
Primary Contribution: To model what a God-centered view of life is like, through expressions of worship and prayer, and the way believers may express their deepest needs, pains, and concerns to God in passionate prayer and worship.
Therefore, ask: What does this psalm tell us about how God's presence and work connects with our deepest concerns and emotions in the midst of difficult or joyous circumstances?
Secondary Contribution: To give us models for worshiping God.
Therefore ask: What does this psalm tell us about how we should pray, praise, and generally express our hearts' desires to God in individual and corporate worship?
Information taken from:
Playing With Fire: How the Bible Ignites Change in Your Soul by Walt Russell
Playing With Fire: How the Bible Ignites Change in Your Soul by Walt Russell