mildz Psalm Anthology
The Book of Psalms probably had its origin in collections of ‘hymns’and ‘poems’used as part of the worship in the Jerusalem Temple, alongside sacrifices and other ritual acts. Some are designed for a major performance, with musical instruments and choirs, but others belong to more private situations, like thanksgiving, perhaps after recovery from illness or danger. However, other kinds of material, wisdom poems, thoughts about exile, inner religious debates, were included to make up the collection in the Bible. In this form they are available both for community worship and individual meditation or prayer. They are arranged as five collections (Psalms 1–41, 42–72, 73–89, 90–106, 107–150), probably as a deliberate parallel to the ‘Five Books of Moses’. As in earlier editions of Forms of Prayer we have included a selection of psalms that may be used within weekly, Shabbat or festival services, but also ones that lend themselves to private reading or contemplation. In addition to indicating the content of each of the psalms, we have provided a list of themes that may be helpful in particular circumstances.
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