How to Read the Psalms During Devotional Time

How to Read the Psalms During Devotional Time

The book of Psalms is one of the most beloved portions of Scripture — and one of the most misunderstood.

Many believers turn to the Psalms in times of comfort, grief, joy, or confusion. But to truly benefit from them in devotional life, it helps to understand what they are and how God intends them to shape us.

If you want your time in the Psalms to be deeper, richer, and more Christ-centered, here are key truths to keep in mind. Incorporate readings from the Psalms into your time of Bible-reading and reflection using the Seek First 365 Bible Reading Plan and Devotional, available in paperback and digital. 

1. The Psalms Teach You How to Pray

The Psalms are not just chapters to read — they are prayers to pray.

They give you language for:

  • Joy
  • Anger
  • Fear
  • Gratitude
  • Confusion
  • Repentance
  • Deep sorrow

When you don’t know what to say to God, the Psalms give you words.

They show us that no emotion is off-limits in prayer. Faith is not pretending everything is fine. Faith is bringing everything to God.

2. The Psalms Are Emotionally Honest

The writers of the Psalms:

  • Question God (“How long, O Lord?” — Psalm 13)
  • Confess sin (Psalm 51)
  • Express fear and distress (Psalm 22)
  • Declare trust (Psalm 23)
  • Overflow with praise (Psalm 145)

Devotionally, this matters.

The Psalms teach us that spiritual maturity is not the absence of struggle — it is learning to struggle in God’s presence.

3. The Psalms Point to Christ

The Psalms are deeply Christ-centered.

Jesus:

  • Quoted the Psalms.
  • Prayed the Psalms.
  • Fulfilled the Psalms.

Psalm 22 is quoted from the cross.
Psalm 16 is applied to the resurrection in Acts 2.
Psalm 110 is used throughout the New Testament to describe Christ’s authority.

When reading devotionally, ask:

  • How does this psalm reflect the life or mission of Christ?
  • Does this reveal something about His suffering?
  • Does this display His kingship?
  • Is this ultimately fulfilled in Him?

4. The Psalms Are Poetry

The Psalms are Hebrew poetry, not modern prose.

They use:

  • Imagery (“The Lord is my shepherd.”)
  • Metaphor (“You are my rock.”)
  • Repetition and parallelism
  • Emotional intensity

They are meant to move the heart as well as instruct the mind.

When you read: 

Slow down.
Notice repeated phrases.
Sit with the imagery.

The Psalms are meant to be meditated on, not rushed through.

5. There Are Different Types of Psalms

Recognizing the type of psalm you’re reading helps.

Lament Psalms

These are the most common. They often follow a pattern:
Complaint → Request → Trust.

They teach us how to suffer faithfully.

Praise Psalms

These focus on who God is and what He has done.

They lift our eyes beyond our circumstances.

Thanksgiving Psalms

They give gratitude after deliverance.

Wisdom Psalms

These provide reflections on righteous living (e.g., Psalm 1).

Messianic Psalms

They prophetically point to Christ’s reign and suffering.

6. Not Every Psalm Ends in Resolution

Some Psalms, like Psalm 88, end in darkness.

That’s important.

It shows us:

  • God allows unresolved grief.
  • Faith can exist without emotional relief.
  • We can cling to God even when answers do not come.

7. The Psalms Shape Your Desires

The Psalms do more than express feelings — they train them.

Over time, they:

  • Reorder your loves
  • Deepen your trust
  • Expand your understanding of God
  • Create hunger for righteousness

Psalm 1 says the blessed person meditates on God’s law day and night. The Psalms slowly reshape your heart and soul.

8. Read the Psalms Personally — But Not Individualistically

Many Psalms were written for corporate worship.

When you pray them today, you are joining:

  • Ancient Israel
  • The early church
  • Believers across centuries
  • Christians around the world right now

You are never praying alone.

9. Some Psalms Contain Strong Language

Some Psalms contain strong language — even calls for judgment (like Psalm 137).

These remind us:

  • Evil is real.
  • Injustice grieves God.
  • We can entrust vengeance to Him.

Reading them through the lens of Christ reminds us that:

  • Jesus bore our judgment.
  • He taught us to love our enemies.
  • Jesus will ultimately judge with righteousness.

10. The Psalms Lead You to Jesus

Jesus sang these songs.
Jesus fulfilled these prayers.
Jesus now intercedes for us.

When you pray a Psalm, you are praying words that Christ Himself prayed.

And because of Him, every lament has hope.

A Simple Devotional Framework

Next time you read a Psalm, try asking the following questions and jot down your reflections in your Seek First Journal:

  1. What is the writer feeling?
  2. What does this reveal about God’s character?
  3. Where do I see Christ?
  4. How can I turn this into my own prayer?
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