8 Best Psalms for a Call to Worship (Psalms Prayers for a Call to Worship)

I enjoy drawing inspiration from the different Psalms in the Bible. Last week, during a prayer session, the topic of having biblical calls to worship came up.

One of the attendees wanted to know how they could come up with calls to worship from the book of Psalms. Given my extensive knowledge as a theologian, I was excited to weigh in on the topic.

The following conversation inspired me to write an article to share the best Psalms for a call to worship.

8 Best Psalms to use as a call to worship

Psalms 99:1-3

“The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. Great is the Lord in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. Let them praise your great and awesome name—he is holy.”

This Psalm is an exaltation to the Almighty God for His marvelous deeds. As a call to worship, it reminds the congregation of their heavenly Father and why they should worship him.

Psalms 136:1-3

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.”

The Psalmist invites us to praise God for his steadfast love for us, which endures forever. This scripture helps the congregation to reflect on the goodness of God.

It can also encourage them to go before him with a heart full of thanksgiving.

Psalms 63:1-4

“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.”

The Psalmist paints the picture of one who cries out to God even during trials and tribulations. This scripture is, therefore, excellent, especially for reminding believers not to stop calling unto God even when things aren’t going too well.

Psalms 138:1-3

“I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple  and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, or you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.”

This passage is an expression of gratitude to God for answered prayers. It helps us view God as our kind and loving Father who hears us when we cry and strengthens us in our weakness.

Psalm 5:7-8

“But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple. Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies—make your way straight before me.”

This scripture is a prayer to God to lead us through His righteousness and abundance of love. It reminds us to seek guidance in all our affairs because he knows the right way.

Psalms 95:6

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”

This verse is a simple call to the congregation to come before the Lord in worship. The Psalmist urges us to bow before God in these verses, for He created the world and everything in it.

Psalm 100

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”

The Psalmist focuses on the communicable attributes of God, such as His goodness, loving-kindness, and faithfulness. This scripture serves as a reminder to draw near to Him in worship, as he knows us and loves us despite our sinful nature.

Psalm 139:13-18

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.”

These verses create the image of a God who knows us even better than we know ourselves. David notes that God knew him before he was born and spoke of the vastness of the thoughts and plans of the Lord.

This scripture gives us the comfort and peace that God knows us fully and, therefore, knows what we need even before we ask.

How to Use Call to Worship Verses from the Book of Psalms?

Theology experts suggest that the Psalms should be read out at the beginning of the worship session to set the atmosphere for the entire service.

These Psalms are prayers to God and reminders to go to Him with a heart of worship and humility. When they are read out loud by the worship leader or service coordinator, they give everyone something to ponder on, even as the service progresses.

Singing the Psalms as part of the worship set is also a powerful way to share them with the congregation. Famous psalms like Psalms 23 have been made into great worship and praise songs.

When these songs are sung at the beginning of the service, they tag at congregants’ hearts and help them draw closer to God through prayer and worship.

Having Psalms as part of the prayer during a call to worship. Most, if not all, the Psalms are prayers of thanksgiving, supplication, and adoration. The best way to incorporate them into a call to worship would be in the form of prayer.

What is the Best Time to read these Psalms?

Call to worship Psalms should be read at the beginning of the service, as they help to draw everyone’s attention to the purpose of the service.

Traditionally, calls to worship are a way of grabbing the congregation’s attention and marking the beginning of the service. When these Psalms start the service, they bring us closer to one another and the Father in our worship.