Resources

The Biblical Psalms in Christian Worship: A Brief Introduction and Guide to Resources (Eerdmans, 2007)

Description
The biblical psalms are certainly a valuable source for Christian worship, but their vast size as a whole can prove daunting without direction. John Witvliet offers a solution with this brief yet comprehensive guide to using the psalms in worship.

The Biblical Psalms in Christian Worship opens with a summary of key biblical-theological themes related to the practice of worship. It continues with reflections on every step in the process of preparing to use the psalms in worship, drawing on insights from writings on the history, theology, and pastoral practice of worship, liturgy, and preaching. Including patristic testimonies as a "prelude" and both Reformation-era and modern testimonies as two "interludes," the volume also offers a comprehensive list of currently available liturgical and musical resources and a set of instructive musical examples.

Witvliet offers a first-a book designed to speak at once to both "traditional" and "contemporary" worship practices. His book will appeal to a wide range of readers, including college and seminary students, scholars and teachers, church educators, worship leaders, musicians, and librarians. Ecumenical, practical, and passionate, The Biblical Psalms in Christian Worship provides all the resources necessary to spark a renewed engagement with the psalms in corporate worship.

Author
John D. Witvliet is director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, and associate professor of Music and Worship at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also teaches in the religion department at Calvin College

Endorsements
"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."
-Bryan D. Spinks, Yale Institute of Sacred Music and Yale Divinity School

"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."
-Dorothy C. Bass, Valparaiso University

"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."
-Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary

"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."
-J. Michael McMahon, National Association of Pastoral Musicians

CICW Liturgical Studies Series with Eerdmans
This series is designed to promote reflection on the history, theology, and practice of Christian worship and to stimulate worship renewal in Christian congregations. Written by pastoral worship leaders from diverse communities and scholars from a range of disciplines, these volumes seek to nurture worship practices that are at once spiritually vital and theologically rooted. To find all the books in this series, go to Publications and under "Publisher," select "Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing."

Additional Resources for the Psalms and Worship

Table of Contents from Eerdmans