The Psalms were Israel's hymnbook and prayer book, the songs Jesus Himself sang. This week's psalms move through every human feeling: wonder at the heavens, anguish that cries “My God, my God,” the quiet trust of “The LORD is my shepherd,” the longing to stand in God's holy place, and the confidence of “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Psalm
Also read in
The text shown is the King James Version, the Church's preferred English Bible for classes and meetings. The General Handbook lists the ESV and NRSV as helpful translations for ages 14 and up. They are copyrighted, so they open on their publishers' sites. Highlighted verses have a study note with links to compare that verse.
Study guide
The Psalms are poetry meant to be prayed and sung. These notes help you read them as Israel did, and hear the Savior in them.
How to read this week
Read them aloud. They were written to be sung. Slow down and let the rhythm carry you.
Notice parallelism. Most verses have two lines that echo or contrast (19:1; 27:1). Seeing the pairs makes the meaning clearer.
Know the types of psalm. Laments (22), trust (23, 46), praise (8, 29, 33), thanksgiving (30, 40), wisdom (1), royal (2, 20, 21) and temple-entrance (24). Ask what kind each is.
Pray them. Many psalms are prayers. Try making one your own, especially one that matches your mood.
Listen for Christ. The New Testament applies Psalms 2, 22 and 31 to Jesus. He quoted them on the cross.
The mood of this week's psalms
Ps 1, 19 — Delight in God's law
Ps 8, 29, 33 — Wonder at creation
Ps 22 — Anguish turned to praise
Ps 23 — Quiet trust
Ps 24 — Preparing to enter God's presence
Ps 30, 32, 40 — Thanksgiving for deliverance and forgiveness
Ps 46 — Confidence in turmoil
Images and ideas to recognize
Passage
Image
What it means
Ps 1:3
Tree by rivers of water
A life rooted in God's word.
Ps 23:1
Shepherd
Christ, who guides, provides and protects.
Ps 23:4
Rod and staff
Protection and guidance.
Ps 23:5
Anointed head, overflowing cup
Abundant blessing and honor.
Ps 24:3
Hill of the Lord
The temple, God's holy place.
Ps 40:2
Rock
Christ, our sure foundation.
Restoration connections
D&C 25:12 — “The song of the righteous is a prayer unto me.”
D&C 101:16 — “Be still and know that I am God.”
2 Nephi 4:16–35 — The psalm of Nephi.
D&C 97:15–17 — The pure in heart shall see God in His temple.
Questions for the week
Which psalm best matches how you feel right now? What would it mean to pray it?
How has the Lord been your shepherd (Ps 23)?
What helps you prepare to “stand in his holy place” (24:3–4)?
When has joy come “in the morning” after a hard night (30:5)?
What does “Be still, and know that I am God” invite you to do (46:10)?
Conference talks & Church resources
Talks the Church's lesson points to this week, plus other Church resources that teach from these chapters.
Scholarly papers
Faithful scholarship from BYU and related publishers, tagged with the chapters each one discusses.
Podcasts & video
Come, Follow Me shows and episodes covering this week's reading.