Psalmody and praise

Psalm 34:1-3, “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” In modern theological conversation we would refer to the metered and lyrical use of Psalm 34ff such as Stuart Dauermann’s "Let Us Exalt His Name" as psalmody. Psalmody, according Merriam-Webster’s dictionary is “1: the act, practice, or art of singing Psalms in worship or 2: a collection of Psalms.” So why is this important to us?

In our worship services as Christians and in some Jewish congregations we sing hymns. Many of these hymns are directly lifted from the Psalms or are the Psalms. The early church used a characteristic form of Psalmody. This characteristic manner of singing was usually highlighted with antiphony. Antiphony is a “responsive alternation between two groups especially of singers (op. cit. Merriam-Webster).” While in seminary I often started my day in the prayer chapel with members of the Order of St. Luke who led the prayer chapel in antiphonal recitation and singing often chanting of the Psalms, followed closely with prayer. The marble floors and the limestone and concrete walls echoed those deeply felt and quietly spoken prayers. There is a purity and holy feel to Morning Prayer when done in collect before the cacophony of the day has crowded them out.

Prayer: Loving God, we come in Holy silence before You. We praise You and thank You. You are our God and we are Your people. Help us keep the day holy, righteous and pure done entirely in Your Holy Will. We pray this in the redeeming Name of Jesus. AMEN