The book Of The Bible The Psalms

The book Of The Bible The Psalms

The Psalms are a collection of 150 poetical songs associated with temple worship in Israel. The date of composition of the Psalms varies over five centuries, but most were written during the monarchical period before the Babylonian exile. There is a long tradition that attributes the Psalms to David. In the final redaction of the Psalter, the collection is divided like the Pentateuch, into five books. The Psalms can be read as inspirational readings or sung as hymns of praise and supplication to God.

The Psalms are a treasury of prayers for communal and private devotion. Generally, the Psalms provide a daily sung or spoken responsorial to the First Reading at the Sunday and Weekday liturgies of the Roman Missal. All 150 Psalms are utilized throughout the Sunday and weekday liturgical calendar over a three-year cycle.