The Biblical Psalms in Christian Worship: A Brief Introduction & Guide to Resources

John D. Witvliet is director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and teaches theology, worship, music, and congregational studies at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary. His books include Worship Seeking Understanding: Windows into Chr

Theology Today
"In a climate of theological specialization and isolation, Witvliet offers an excellent integrative resource that invites joint learning and prayer."

Parish Liturgy
"I would recommend this book highly to parish personnel, from priest to musicians to lectors to liturgy planners. It's clear, well written, and well informed. This book is a true service to the whole Church, Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant."

Bryan D. Spinks
— Yale Institute of Sacred Music and Yale Divinity School
"The Psalms are the canonical hymnbook of both synagogue and church, but in much contemporary worship they find little place. John Witvliet gives a robust defense of their spirituality and theological inspiration, and provides sound pastoral advice and useful resources to enable ministers and worship planners to place them at the center of authentic biblical worship."

Dorothy C. Bass
— Valparaiso University
"Worshiping communities that accept John Witvliet's invitation to read, sing, pray, study, and share the Psalms more deliberately will find themselves on a path to deep formation in biblical faith. . . The rich array of helpful resources gathered here will equip worshiping communities to walk that path with attentiveness, creativity, and gratitude. An inspiring and informative book, especially for those who are called to lead congregations into the treasures of the Psalter as pastors, worship leaders, musicians, and educators."

Walter Brueggemann
— Columbia Theological Seminary
"Practical theology of the highest order. Witvliet's work is deeply grounded in good critical study and in the teaching of the church tradition. But his eye is on the congregation where the Psalms take on new life in each fresh rendering, and he stands alongside other practitioners of prayer and praise who move back and forth between text and context. His book is an immensely rich resource for such practice."

J. Michael McMahon
— National Association of Pastoral Musicians
"This book has something for everyone ? pastors and musicians, scholars and practitioners, worship specialists and ordinary worshipers. John Witvliet has skillfully synthesized and presented contemporary biblical scholarship on the Psalms, historical material on the liturgical use of the Psalms in various Christian traditions, practical suggestions on using the Psalms in worship in various churches, and a wealth of resources for studying and singing the Psalms."