I have been digging into the Book of Psalms more deeply than ever before, and I have a full shelf of books and studies and a long list of online resources to help me in this adventure. In this post, I’m sharing twenty of these resources for studying the Psalms–there are many more, but I’ve found these most helpful.
Of course, you really only need one book – the Bible. That’s true no matter what you are studying in God’s Word! But if you want to go wider and deeper, even one or two of these additional resources will add to your appreciation and understanding of this beautiful collection of songs and prayers.
I tend to be a research geek. That goes all the way back to my university days spent in libraries and stressing about getting resources from other libraries in time for my paper-writing. Those were, of course, card catalog and pre-internet days. Today, researching and learning is still challenging but we have more accessible options than ever before.
Many of these resources are free. If not, they may be available at your local library or in your church library. Others will require an investment. Here’s a look at 20+ resources for studying the Psalms. I hope they help you journey through this wonderful book.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase from a link, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Visual Resources for Studying the Psalms
Visual Faith® Ministry
This has become my go-to resource to supplement my devotional and study time in the psalms. You can dive deeper into this book of the Bible with Bible journaling, verse mapping, or Scripture scribing. As a Visual Faith coach, I’ve practiced and taught with many of these free resources. If you are new to this practice get started here.
Visual Faith® Ministry selects a theme for each year. (The Names of God 2023; The Names of Jesus 2024.) This year (2025) the theme is the Book of Psalms, and you will find dozens of free resources to help you dive into the psalter, study, and meditate. Start with one small practice or join one of our monthly online events which are almost always free.
The Book of Psalms, Illustrated in Expressive Calligraphy by Timothy Botts
I’ve always loved the beauty of the psalms and this book–which is almost 30 years old–has long been on my bookshelf. I’ve linked it so you can take a peek, but it’s an expensive book today.
The artist writes in the introduction, “The Psalms are a treasure chest of metaphors, which artists love to work with. Included is visual imagery from ancient Hebrew culture as well as from more contemporary visual associations. You will find the flourishing tree of character, sheltering feathers, the pomegranate of fruitfulness, the harmonious flight of birds, tree rings portraying God’s faithfulness to successive generations, and crashing cymbals.”
This is truly a coffee table book, but it also contains all of the psalter from the New Living Translation, so it could be a unique resource for reading with added visuals.
Psalms: Journible 17:18 Series: The Book of Psalms Chapters 1-72
This series encourages a practice known as “Scripture Scribing” which is just a fancy name for an age-old practice: handwriting God’s Word. You could certainly write the psalms in any notebook, but this one is a hardcover bound book that could be a lovely legacy for future generations. Imagine having your great-grandmother’s handwritten copy of the Psalms!
ESV Psalms Photography Edition
In my research for resources, I discovered this beautiful book which would be a wonderful addition to anyone’s personal library. The psalms are printed on top of stunning photography from all over Ireland. Interestingly, there are no verse numbers so it feels more like reading a poem or song lyrics. I see this as an invitation to immerse yourself in God’s Word in a different way, since we are used to only seeing text on the pages of our Bibles.
Audio Resources for Studying the Psalms
EveryPsalm, a Ministry of Poor Bishop Hooper
Musical group Poor Bishop Hooper has released lovely and powerful music to accompany each of the 150 psalms. They are free for your listening. You can start here or use your favorite audio app.
The Hidden Streams Podcast
Hidden Streams podcast, a 1517 project, offers devotions and music for many of the 150 psalms. Most are about 15 minutes long and include a reading and a brief study-devotion followed by music. You can access this on your podcast app or on the website. Here’s a link to one on Psalm 3.
The Psalms Project
The Psalms Project is a beautiful 10+ year initiative started by one musician with a desire to set all 150 Psalms to music. You can listen to some of the music online through music apps or you can purchase downloads or CDs.
Here’s a sample from “Psalms for Sleep.” You can also find the songs on YouTube, where you’ll see the lyrics along with the music. So far they have six albums with the help of over 80 musicians. Very cool project.
Devotional Resources for Studying the Psalms
Devotions can be a valuable way to engage with Psalms. Some of the resources in this post can be time consuming–group Bible studies, podcast episodes, or visual faith activities. These devotional resources, though, are a great way to engage with the psalms on a daily basis (in addition to reading the actual psalms, of course).
Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis
In his introduction to this short collection of essays on the psalms, Lewis explains that “this is not a work of scholarship. I am no Hebraist, no higher critic, no ancient historian, no archaeologist. I write for the unlearned about things in which I am unlearned myself.”
He writes that Psalm 19 is “the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world.” Doesn’t that alone make you want to open your Bible and read Psalm 19?
Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Bonhoeffer is best remembered for his critical role in resisting Nazism and his work as a professor, seminary leader, and theologian.
Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible is a short yet powerful work published more than eight decades ago. You will want a pen or highlighter in hand as you read because you’ll find so many gems to return to again and again. Here’s just one:
“If we want to read and to pray the prayers of the Bible and especially the Psalms, therefore, we must not ask first what they have to do with us, but what they have to do with Jesus Christ.”
His short chapters focus on themes within the psalter such as “The Creation,” “The Messiah,” “Guilt,” and “The Enemies.”
The introduction summarizes this little book well. “In this brief, accessible volume, first published in German in 1940 and in English in 1974, we get access to a surprising capacity of Bonhoeffer–namely, his pastoral sensibility. In this little book, he offers pastoral guidance for ordinary, serious Christians without any show of erudition or abstraction.”
Psalms Now by Leslie F. Brandt
Psalms Now is a book of “poetic modern restatements” of each psalm in the psalter written by a pastor, evangelist, and writer who originally penned these for Sunday bulletins and a magazine.
The writer explores the themes to give a contemporary twist on the ancient poems. He writes in the Preface, “I am expressing what the Old Testament psalmists might be saying if they were approaching the 21st century . . . If these psalm-writing efforts help make the ancient psalms more relevant for modern saints and if they help express more adequately the perpetual conflicts of a child of God in our complex society, they will serve their purpose.”
Psalm by Psalm: 365 Selected Readings from Martin Luther
This book is set up with short daily readings “masterfully selected from Luther’s Works.” So many gems in here!
Reflecting on Psalm 51, Luther writes, “If anyone thinks that prayer should be put off until the mind is clean of impure thoughts, he is doing nothing but using his wisdom and strength to help Satan, who is already more than strong enough . . .”
The Songs of Jesus by Timothy Keller
A friend recommended The Songs of Jesus to me last year, and I’ve been reading it for my morning devotions.
Written by well-known pastor and author Timothy Keller and his wife, Kathy who describes this as “the most personal and intimate of all Tim’s books.”
Keller spent more than two decades studying the Book of Psalms and this book came from all these years and his thoughts recorded in prayer journals. Each day includes a short reading, a brief devotion, and a prayer. You will read through the entire psalter in one year with this book. That alone is a beautiful blessing!
Small Group Resources for Studying the Psalms
A New Song Series
A New Song Series is a three-book collection of devotions and studies by various female authors from Concordia Publishing House.
Each book is designed for a six-week study with six psalms. They include five weekday readings, personal questions, and group questions which can be used for individuals or small groups. Each book includes guidelines for small group leaders, so it’s easy to step into this good series. An added bonus? The covers are so lovely.
An Introductory Course: Psalms by Steven Mueller
An Introductory Course: Psalms is part of the “Journeys through God’s Word” series and includes an excellent discussion on “How to Read the Psalms” at the start. The book looks at 12 psalms and includes questions for small groups. This is also offered as a downloadable study which makes it affordable for larger groups.
Psalms: God’s Abiding Word by David Baker and Tim Saleska
Psalms: God’s Abiding Word is a downloadable study for one fee and can be reprinted for small groups.
It offers a deep-dive into eleven psalms and includes leader notes. I used this for a study about six years ago, and it offered a good balance of academic study with personal application. Here’s a peek for you to see if it’s a good fit.
More Resources for Studying the Psalms
The Lutheran Study Bible
My personal favorite is our denomination’s study Bible which includes study notes and many helpful articles.
Here’s a sample of the articles included in the Psalms:
- “Violence in the Psalms”
- “Ancient Use of Psalms in Worship”
- “Music and Instruments in Israel”
It also includes a Table of Psalms for Daily Prayer which is helpful for planning. Recently, the publisher released a handy app which I use on my phone and tablet. I love this resource because it’s in the palm of my hand, easy for travel, and I can access cross references and notes with the tap of my finger. It doesn’t replace my hard copy, but it’s a wonderful addition.
Psalm One-Sheets
This free downloadable resource is a brief but powerful companion to your journey through the Psalms. One half-sheet for each psalm includes a brief commentary, suggestions for spiritual care, simple explanations of the structure, key words, and a prayer. The colors are lovely too! I have printed some as I study and “tip” them into my Bible with washi tape or by running a glue stick down the edge of the paper.
Bible Gateway
The Bible Gateway is a wonderful online resource, free and paid. The paid subscription offers abundant study resources as well as the ability to view the original language, Hebrew and Greek, as you read and study. This year I splurged and tried the subscription. It has added a lot to my study time!
The Bible Project
If you haven’t heard of this free resource, then you are in for a real treat. These talented people offer videos, podcasts, classes, and more to “help people experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus.” Wow. And it’s visual. I often use their videos as a way to begin a study. For example, here’s a 9-minute overview of the Book of Psalms. Give yourself time to click on other videos to learn more.
Exposition of Psalms by H.C. Leupold
This book was published in 1959 by a renowned Old Testament scholar. It’s for those who love an academic deep dive.
Concordia Commentary: Psalms 1-50 by Timothy E. Saleska
This is one of those two-inch thick resources which is way over my head most of the time, especially with the textual notes. But his commentary is easy to grasp and offers rich reflections. The publisher has not yet published the commentary on the next 100 psalms, but I’m keeping my eye on that. Of course, this is just one of many excellent commentaries available. You may do your own search online for other helpful commentaries.
I’ve only touched on the thousands of resources for studying the Psalms available. I hope you find many more ways to make the psalms a part of your daily walk. May you be blessed as you open God’s Word and remember these words:
“Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1:1-2 ESV
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