Praying the Psalms in the Liturgy of the Hours: New Light on Ancient Songs

Praying the Psalms in the Liturgy of the Hours had its genesis with the weekly audiences of Pope John Paul II, during which he reflected on the Psalms. His intent was to help educate people in the art of prayer. Following the pope's example, Richard Atherton has focused on the Liturgy of the Hours, opening the treasures of the Psalter to those who wish to make the Divine Office part of their daily prayer.

Rather than provide a detailed commentary on the psalms, the author shows how these prayers, or songs, written so long ago and in such different circumstances than our own, can become rich and rewarding prayers for contemporary Catholics. This easily accessible introduction to the psalms can serve as a mini-textbook on these glorious prayers from the Hebrew Scriptures. At the same time, it provides a guided journey through the recurring cycle of the psalmody in the Liturgy of the Hours.