
“King David,” by Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri), 1651
You can learn a lot from sacred music. The book of Psalms, the hymnbook of the Israelites, is packed with powerful spiritual truths. Jesus quoted from the book of Psalms more than from any other book of scripture. (See Jeffrey R. Holland, For Times of Trouble : Spiritual Solace from the Psalms, 7-8.) And quotes or paraphrases of the psalms appear at least 43 times in the Book of Mormon. (See John Hilton III, “Old Testament Psalms in the Book of Mormon,” in Ascending the Mountain of the Lord: Temple, Praise, and Worship in the Old Testament, 291–311.)
We will study the book of Psalms over the next three weeks. Here are some blog posts you may want to reference as you study the first 46 psalms this week:
Blog Posts: August 9-14
The Lord Is My Light
Based on: Psalm 27 Core message: Some hymns represent a personal testimony, even though we sing them as a group. “The Lord is my light,” not “The Lord is the light.” Related Book of Mormon passage: 2 Nephi 22:2
My Shepherd
Based on: Psalm 23 Core message: Jesus is the good shepherd (John 10:11). He provides gentle leadership. It is up to us whether we will follow Him. Related Book of Mormon passages: Alma 5:60, Helaman 7:18, Mormon 5:18
My Fortress
Based on: Psalm 46 Core message: “God is our refuge…a very present help in time of trouble.” He is not distant and detached. He is aware of us and willing to help.. Related Book of Mormon passages: Helaman 5:12, 2 Nephi 4:30
The King of Glory Shall Come In
Based on: Psalm 24 Core message: We can feel joy today because of a future event that is certain to happen. We need not wait until the event occurs to feel that happiness. Related Book of Mormon passages: Alma 5:50, Alma 13:25
When I Consider Thy Heavens
Based on: Psalm 8 Core message: Interacting with God’s creations fills us with a sense of awe and wonder. Related Book of Mormon passage: Alma 30:44
We Love Thy House
Based on: Psalm 26 Core message: We long to be in sacred spaces because we look forward to being in God’s presence. Related Book of Mormon passages: 2 Nephi 12, 2 Nephi 19:2-3
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