July 18, 2010 Pastor Scott Snowden
Psalms- The Heart of Worship
#1. Introduction to the Psalms…
Speak to one another with Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
always giving thanks to God the Father for everything,
in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:19, 20
-
The Psalms were Israel ’s “ _HYMN_ Book”
-
The Psalms were sung by the _NATION_ during the sacred assemblies.
Israel held several national assemblies (see Leviticus 23),
the most prominent being _PASSOVER_, in the Spring;
_WEEKS_ (Pentecost), in early Summer;
the _DAY_OF_ATONEMENT_
and (a week later) _TABERNACLES_, both in the Fall.
If the Lord had not been on our side- let Israel say…
Our help is in the Name of the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth.
Psalm 124:1, 8
* Psalm 120-134 were specifically designated
as corporate “Songs for the Ascent,”
that is, to be sung during the procession up to the Temple !
-
The Psalms also served as a _PERSONAL_ devotional tool.
O Lord, You have searches me and know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
You perceive my thoughts from afar…
Psalm 139:1, 2
- The Psalms still have value in the Church, for both corporate worship and personal devotion.
Speak to one another with Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
always giving thanks to God the Father for everything,
in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:19, 20
-
Not all Psalms are praises…
-
Some are _HISTORICAL_ narratives
He rebuked the Red Sea , and it dried up;
He led them through the depths as through a desert…
Proverbs 106:9
- Some are _LAMENTS_ (the blues!)
How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
Psalm 13:1
- Some are _PRAYERS_&_PETITIONS_
Turn, O Lord, and deliver me;
save me because of Your unfailing love.
Psalm 6:4
- Some are _PROPHETIC_ (Messianic)
… a band of evil men has encircled me,
they have pierced my hands and my feet.
I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.
They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
Psalm 22:16 -18
-
…but we will be focusing on the _WORSHIP_ aspect for this series.
I will exalt You, my God the King;
I will praise Your Name for ever and ever…
Psalm 145:1
|
