A Helpful Way to Read the Psalms

(Picture of this mini pocket bible that includes the Psalms that I like to bring with me in my bag, especially when I travel)

I went through a Psalms study at our church recently and wanted to pass it along because it was such a great resource. The way it breaks the book into themes almost gives you these little guideposts depending on what you’re walking through. There are sections for grief, for anxiety, for praise, for feeling far from God.

The other thing that came out of this study was realizing how much I’d undervalued memorizing Scripture. I started using the Versify app to help me learn them and having even a few verses tucked away in my mind has been such an anchor throughout the day. When I’m feeling overwhelmed or my thoughts start spiraling, having something true to come back to makes a real difference.

Anyway, I thought this might be helpful if you’re looking for a way into the Psalms or wanting to be more intentional about Scripture memory. And if you’re new to faith, you can check out my post with resources on where to start.

Week 1: Psalms of Wisdom

Psalm Readings: Psalm 1 to 4, 37
Memory Verse: Psalm 1:1 to 3 (NIV)

Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither,
whatever they do prospers.

Week 2: Psalms of Comfort

Psalm Readings: Psalm 16; 19 to 21; 23; 27
Memory Verse: Psalm 27:4 (NIV)

One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.

Week 3: Psalms of Repentance

Psalm Readings: Psalm 30-32; 38-39; 51
Memory Verse: Psalm 51:10-12 (NIV)

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Week 4: Declaring God’s Strength

Psalm Readings: Psalm 42-44; 46-47
Memory Verse: Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV)

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

Week 5: Psalms of Trust in God

Psalm Readings: Psalm 57-58; 61-63; 66
Memory Verse: Psalm 63:1 (NIV)

You, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek you.
I thirst for you,
my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water.

Week 6: Psalms of God’s Goodness

Psalm Readings: Psalm 73 to 76; 78; 82
Memory Verse: Psalm 73:25-26 (NIV)

Whom have I in heaven but you
and earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Week 7: The Wonder of God

Psalm Readings: Psalm 84; 88 to 89
Memory Verse: Psalm 89:8 (NIV)

Who is like you, Lord God Almighty
You, Lord, are mighty
and your faithfulness surrounds you.

Week 8: Psalms of God’s Compassion

Psalm Readings: Psalm 90-92; 98-99
Memory Verse: Psalm 90:1-2 (NIV)

Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.
Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the whole world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

Week 9: Psalms of Praise

Psalm Readings: Psalm 101; 103-104; 106; 109
Memory Verse: Psalm 103:1-2 (NIV)

Praise the Lord, my soul
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul
and forget not all his benefits.

Thank you for being here!

xx Brittany