Proposition: The Psalm is not an outmoded and irrelevant form, but a potent vehicle of Christian worship.

This point we illustrate from Psalm 23. In the Shepherd Psalm we observe ten uses for the Psalm in congregational worship:

1. to praise God and Christ

Praise must always be a priority for Christian people and Psalms are perfectly suited to expressing such worship. In Psalm 23 we wonder at the perfections of our Shepherd. How good He is! The words are so fitting for a Christian to sing. Christ Himself appropriated the image when He declared I am the Good Shepherd. As we sing the Psalm we assent to all that God has revealed of Himself.

2. to instruct the mind

The content of the Psalm is substantial and doctrinal. We are helped to consider what are the implications of the Lord being our Shepherd. Indeed, we begin to grasp what it is to have a personal relationship with the Lord. We talk about "personal relationship" but what does it really mean? Here we are taught the answer. Do you see how the intellect is engaged as we worship?

3. to confess our faith

What do we believe? Well, this is what we believe: the LORD is my Shepherd. Again and again in using the Psalms we state what is our confidence.

4. to affirm out commitment

By singing I take my stand and declare my position - the LORD is my Shepherd. Therefore I am His sheep. That is my commitment. I belong to Him. I will follow Him. We ought to so dedicated ourselves and re-dedicate ourselves in private and public worship.

5. to move the heart

Although it is important that the mind is addressed and exercised in worship, the affections have their place too. The combination of poetry (and the Psalms are poetry) and music serve to stir the affections in love for Christ and to express delight in Him.

6. to unite believers

So many contemporary worship songs actually divide. This is not an issue of musical taste, but of doctrinal content or implications. Look carefully at the songs containing more than a line or two and ask if you really believe what is being said. Maybe you do believe it, but not all Christians will see things the same way. Now come to the Psalms. The LORD is my Shepherd: What Christian will disagree? Here we are united.

7. to testify to Christian experience

I say, "This is what I know of the Lord: He leads me beside still waters..." I am reminded to acknowledge what has happened in my life and to do so in the company of the people of God as I sing the Psalm.

8. to encourage one another

How important it is that we do this. There is always one or more of us who is struggling with life's difficulties, and it is such a balm to be reminded of our Shepherd. How good He is at shepherding the sheep. He knows what He is doing in all circumstances. It is just so helpful to say such things to one another - sing to one another!

9. to preach the gospel

The Psalms are profound truth which may really move the unbeliever. Often this has been witnessed at a funeral service. The Psalm has been used in its metrical form "The Lord's my Shepherd" and the unconverted recognises the goodness of these things.

10. to prepare us for heaven

In heaven we shall sing a new song which will be given us by the Lord. It is right that today we use the old songs which He has given. Thereby we practice for our heavenly occupation of praising the Lamb (who is our Shepherd!)