When I was at my Colditz-like prep school in the 1970s I used to think that the Psalms were incredibly boring, not to say incomprehensible, and resented having to croak my way through them at our daily chapel service.
Now I think that the Psalms are the key to almost everything that matters.
Jesus knew them intimately - and even quoted them on the cross. They have provided inspiration to Christians and comfort to martyrs from generation to generation.
They read like the best poetry (well, if you use the right translation: the Book of Common Prayer version by Myles Coverdale is my favourite) and they embody the wisdom of the ages.
In Medieval monasteries, the first task of novitiate monks was to learn the Psalter by heart. It’s a tradition I’m on a one-man mission to revive. I love memorising the Psalms and then reciting them in my head on my morning run with the dog…
Hence my 'Welcome to the Psalms' series in which I explore the meaning of the psalms with people who share my enthusiasm. They’re like the Delingpod, only with Psalms. Even if you’re not a Christian, I think you’ll find them fascinating. And if you are a Christian you’ll find them encouraging and illuminating.
