A Psalmody

An often emotional and effusive literary or musically oriented dialogue or discourse that can be poetic in nature.

Our Psalmody

This is a guide for you and God to dialogue on how people a couple of thousand years ago felt, how you feel today, and the steadfastness of God’s character in interacting with you.  It is intended to be a way to interact with Your Friend who loves you and others as you make your journey through life’s pathways, valleys, mountains, and streams.  If you choose, it will become a lasting standing stone of you and your relationship with God at various seminal, mundane, and “life be lifing” points in your journey.

How to Do It

The book is built upon all 150 Psalms.  You will need access to a Bible to read the Psalm and then see my re-telling (Kevin) of something about that Psalm for a given point in my life.  These are most often prayers I developed as I reflected upon the Word and my life in 2025 and 2026. 

 

From this, you will write your own thoughts whether they are short or long, poetic or narrative, joyful or angry, confident or questioning.  As you work through this Psalmodic journey, you might find many different emotions being expressed and that is indeed the intent.  As I said above, this is a conversation between you and your Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, Friend.

 

The important thing is that whatever you write emanates from where you are right now.  There is no judgment intended nor should you apply any to yourself.  If you find yourself doing so, write about it! 

More on Directions & Helpful Tips

As I reflect on my own work through this Psalmody, I have tried to capture some guiding principles, not rules per se, but hopefully helpful thoughts for you to keep in mind:

  • Take time to read each of the Psalms. I used the Christian Standard Bible, but any translation will work (hard copy or online).
  • Pray about what God might want you to mediate and reflect upon from the Psalm.
  • Research anything in the Psalm that strikes your fancy in your hard copy Bible or online.
  • Use “I language” not “You language” in your writing. This is meant to be about oneself and not a preaching or teaching opportunity.
  • Consider doing this in conjunction with your family or a small group sharing some of your writing and thoughts. Do not, however, let others’ possible views sneak into your reflection and writing though.
  • Don’t worry about the quality of any poetry you may write but do focus on the meaning for you. You’ll see my verse leaves much possibilities for my own self-improvement!
  • Meditate upon what you wrote.
  • You don’t need to do this all at one set stretch of time, but it could be a good goal for a part of your year.
  • You can pick this up and do it again every few years as your life changes. Keep it handy in a way that makes sense for you (handwritten journal, computer document, etc.)

Psalm 1: The Two Ways

Lord, thank you for watching over my life,

Not because I deserve it,

But because of the work Jesus did on the cross for me.

May I daily accept the happiness you provide through life,

Being ever joyful, grateful, and in open acceptance of your teaching and instruction

So that I may walk the path of righteousness you have built for me.

Psalm 2: The Coronation of the Son

I pray for those you have made leaders of our country and all countries on earth.

May they be pure of heart and mind to know they have been given create responsibility.

They are to rule as you do, Jesus.

Their time is brief and they can receive blessings for themselves and those they lead if they follow your ways.

Help me to remember this in the little plot of land you have granted me.

Let me work it diligently and with integrity,

Remembering that I am but its steward for you, my Master.

Psalm 3: Confidence in Troubled Times

Ah, Lord, your love and protection enwrap me. 

I rest confidently knowing you protect me and those around me and guide our ways.

Though I have enemies seen and unseen, I will ever call out to you to save me, lead me, love me, and guide me.