the book of psalms

i love the book of psalms in the bible. i have read from it for years. i once read an author who wrote, 'if you want to learn how to pray, read the psalms.' another author called it 'the prayer book of the bible.'

from what i understand, the psalms were set to music. being from the west and growing up with rock and roll and pop music, this doesn't compute too well because the writing isn't 'verse chorus/verse chorus.'

regardless, there are some great lines in the psalms. everything from gut-wrenching lamentations, to exalted thanksgiving, to frustrated cries of, 'God, where are you?.' there are even angry prayers of 'hey, please take care of my enemies!'

and....everything in between.

there is also alot of theological imagery in the psalms....words that describe the nature and character and faithfulness of God.

here are some of my favorite lines....written down from memory:

-he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

-the entrance of your words gives light, it gives understanding to the simple.

-give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his mercy endures forever.

-hope in the Lord, from this time forth and forevermore.

-my soul waits upon the Lord, and in his word do i hope.

-my soul finds rest in God alone.

-he guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

-your right hand upholds me.

-you are good, and what you do is good.

-good and upright is the Lord, therefore he teaches sinners in his way

-the Lord is slow to anger and rich in mercy

-the Lord is my keeper, the Lord is the shade at my right hand

-as the deer pants after the water, so my soul pants after God

-you are familiar with all of my ways.

-you have hemmed me in before and behind, such knowledge is too wonderful for me.

-you have laid your hand upon me.

-before i was knit together in the womb, you knew me.

i found an old cloth booklet, very thin, that contains the psalms. i wish they made these still, it'd be great to pass them out to people.