b'Introduction toPsalmsBy Reverend Melissa Anne RogersThe Psalms are the Songbook of Israel, thecrown jewel of the Old Testament. These are thewords of our ancestors in faithyet are everybit as relearnt to our lives today. These prayersand songs were written by people who walkedfaithfully with God and were just as human aswe are. They help us know who God is andhow God loves us. They give us insight intohow we came to be, the importance of thecovenant relationship we have with God, ourown sin and need for forgiveness. These songshelp us understand the whole of scripture andthe journey of the people of God from thebeginning. They are quoted more in the NewTestament than any other book. They wereused for personal devotion, and in worship,and often sung by people on a journey,ascending to a place of worship. The Psalms arehonest words to God, and include the range ofhuman emotions. There is expansive praise,deep despair, and humbling self-reflection. ThePsalms invite us to open our hearts tofellowship with God, going directly to theFather with our outpouring of praise, ourfrustration when we spiritually slump, and ourself-righteous anger when God doesnt answeras we want.Let the Psalms guide your prayer life!Read'