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Psalms Across Traditions

The Book of Psalms is one of the few books of the Bible that is treasured by nearly every Christian tradition, as well as Judaism. While the way the Psalms are used differs, they are read, sung, chanted, memorized, and prayed across many denominations.

Christian Denominations

  • Catholic

    • Daily Mass
    • Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office)
    • Personal prayer
    • Gregorian chant
    • Monastic worship

  • Eastern Orthodox

    • Psalter read every week during normal times
    • Twice weekly during Great Lent
    • Sung in Byzantine chant
    • Used in nearly every service

  • Oriental Orthodox

    • Coptic Orthodox
    • Armenian Apostolic
    • Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo
    • Eritrean Orthodox
    • Syriac Orthodox
    • Malankara Orthodox

    These churches chant Psalms extensively during worship and prayer.

  • Anglican / Episcopal

    • Daily Morning Prayer
    • Evening Prayer
    • Choral Evensong
    • Cathedral worship
    • Hymns based on the Psalms

  • Lutheran

    • Weekly responsive Psalm reading
    • Congregational singing
    • Martin Luther encouraged memorizing the Psalms

  • Presbyterian

    • Traditionally known as the “singing church”
    • Many congregations sing metrical Psalms
    • Some practice Exclusive Psalmody (singing only Psalms)

  • Reformed Churches

    • Dutch Reformed
    • Christian Reformed
    • Reformed Church in America
    • United Reformed Churches

    Psalms form a central part of worship.

  • Baptist

    • Scripture reading
    • Devotional studies
    • Worship songs inspired by the Psalms
    • Children's ministry

  • Methodist

    • Responsive Psalm readings
    • Lectionary worship
    • Personal devotion

  • Pentecostal

    • Prayer meetings
    • Worship services
    • Spiritual warfare prayers
    • Praise services

  • Assemblies of God

    • Frequently quote Psalms during worship
    • Prayer and encouragement

  • Church of God

    • Worship
    • Prayer
    • Teaching

  • Nazarene

    • Corporate worship
    • Responsive readings
    • Personal devotion

  • Seventh-day Adventist

    • Sabbath worship
    • Family worship
    • Daily devotion

  • Mennonite

    • Congregational singing
    • Scripture reading

  • Amish

    • Traditional worship
    • Hymn singing based on Psalms

  • Moravian

    • Choral worship
    • Liturgical readings

  • Quaker (Friends)

    • Personal meditation
    • Scripture reflection

  • Salvation Army

    • Worship services
    • Music ministry
    • Personal devotion

  • Non-denominational Churches

    • Worship
    • Prayer
    • Bible studies
    • Children's ministries

Jewish Traditions

The Psalms (Tehillim) are one of the most important books in Judaism.

  • Orthodox Judaism

    • Daily prayers
    • Sabbath services
    • Festivals
    • Mourning
    • Times of illness

  • Conservative Judaism

    • Synagogue worship
    • Home devotion

  • Reform Judaism

    • Liturgy
    • Modern worship services

  • Hasidic Judaism

    • Constant recitation
    • Joyful singing
    • Mystical meditation

  • Sephardic Judaism

    • Traditional chanting
    • Family prayer

Historic Christian Groups

  • Celtic Christians
  • Desert Fathers
  • Benedictines
  • Franciscans
  • Dominicans
  • Jesuits
  • Cistercians
  • Carthusians
  • Trappists

Many monastic communities pray through all 150 Psalms every week or every month.

Churches That Place Exceptional Emphasis on the Psalms

  1. Eastern Orthodox
  2. Ethiopian Orthodox
  3. Catholic (especially monastic orders)
  4. Anglican
  5. Presbyterian
  6. Reformed Churches
  7. Orthodox Judaism
  8. Hasidic Judaism
  9. Lutheran
  10. Coptic Orthodox
Explore all 150 Psalms →See the Christian Calendar