Psalms

Discover how the Psalms can speak powerfully to today's church, offering lyrical theology that shapes prayer, reflection, preaching, and worship. This volume in the Belief series explores how the Psalms speak as lyrical theology in today's world. Drawing on the Psalter's genres of praise and lament, the Psalms' reception in Christian tradition, and their range of musical settings, Kris Kvam and Don Saliers show how the Psalms can teach, comfort, and challenge the church. Giving the biblical tradition a liberationist pulse, this commentary provides pastors with a practical guide for engaging the lectionary Psalm readings and bringing the richness and depth of these ancient texts into contemporary preaching and ministry. Additionally, this volume is useful beyond the pulpit, serving teachers, worship leaders, spiritual seekers, and students interested in the Psalms as a theological, cultural, and liturgical resource. The Belief series offers a fresh and invigorating approach to the Bible. Building on a wide range of sources, noted scholars provide a theologically focused commentary that considers the contemporary relevance of the texts for those who preach and lead. This series is an invaluable resource for those who want to ponder the deep theological meaning of biblical books for Christians and their communities today.

Kristen E. Kvam is Professor of Theology at Saint Paul School of Theology. She has written chapters on the Psalms in The Annotated Luther series and has written for the Feasting on the Word series. She is the coeditor of Eve and Adam: Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Readings on Genesis and Gender and The Crux of Theology: Luther's Teachings and Our Work for Freedom, Justice, and Peace. She is a laywoman in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and is actively involved in the bilateral dialogue between the ELCA and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Don E. Saliers is William R. Cannon Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Theology and Worship at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He is the author or editor of more than ten books, including Themes and Variations: Music and Imagination; Music and Theology; and A Song to Sing, a Life to Live: Reflections on Music as Spiritual Practice (with Emily Saliers). He is ordained in the United Methodist Church and was an organist and choirmaster at Emory's Cannon Chapel for thirty-five years.