When we pray the Psalms we sometimes forget that they were composed originally to be sung. How often have you sung out your prayer to God?
When Hebrew scripture is read in the synagogue, it is usually led by a cantor who recites the scripture in a sing-song way. We know that Jesus sang hymns with his disciples (Matt 26:30). The apostle Paul urged early Christians: “Let the word of Christ live in your richly as you teach and encourage one another in all wisdom with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with blessing and graciousness in your hearts to God.” (Col 3:16)
Here is one of the Psalms that lends itself to that purpose:
Bless the Lord, o my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, o my soul, and do not forget all his benefits–
who forgives your transgressions, who heals all your diseases
who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with faithful love and mercy
who satisfies you with good things as long as you live
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:1-5
So, be bold and “Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the end of the earth!” (Isaiah 42:10)
