What are the best Psalms to preach? (6 best Psalms for sermon)

Last week, during our Bible study session, one of the pastors asked me what Psalms would be the best for preaching. He was preparing a sermon for his congregation and needed to center it on this book.

Since I have studied the Bible in-depth in theology school, this was not a problem. I was more than happy to share my knowledge and thought I’d publish this article for anyone who also has the same question.

6 Best Psalms to Preach

PSALM 23

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

In this chapter, the Psalmist conveys the message that the Lord grants us peace amidst chaos and encourages us to rest in God’s presence.

The Psalmist declares that goodness and mercy shall follow him, and he will dwell in the Lord’s house forever.

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. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”

This chapter emphasizes the importance of praise and thanksgiving. Here, the Bible encourages us to give thanks to the Lord and praise him because His love is eternal.

PSALM 37

“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

This chapter bears teachings on waiting patiently on the Lord even in times of trouble. The psalmist also emphasizes the importance of being godly, as the Lord cherishes and helps the godly.

PSALM 51

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”

Psalm 51 teaches about repentance and shows David asking for forgiveness after he committed adultery with Bathsheba.

It shows how to repent and ask for purification after sinning.

PSALM 96

“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”

This chapter teaches Christians the importance of worshipping the Lord and declaring His glorious nature. The Bible teaches us to sing and publish the Lord’s good deeds to all nations because He is worthy of praise.

PSALM 32

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.”

This chapter focuses on the confession of sins and its importance as a step towards forgiveness. David explains how he suffered when he refused to confess his sins and how this changed after he finally decided to confess his sins to God, who forgave him and rid him of all his guilt.

What Is the Most Famous Psalm to Preach?

According to most theologians, Psalm 121 is arguably the most famous psalm to preach as It carries a powerful message on trusting the Lord who keeps and helps us and reminds us that neither He does grow weary nor sleep or slumber.

He is always watching over us. It encourages us Christians that no matter the problems we face, we can trust in God to help us. Here, the Bible shows us that God is our sole refuge and the safe place we turn to when we are afraid.

He is also the source of our strength, which keeps us from all harm, and He will watch over us forever. This is such a beautiful and powerful chapter to preach on as it offers comfort to Christians and lets them know that they have no reason to worry or be anxious because God promises to protect them from harm.

What Is the Most Encouraging Sermon from the Book of Psalms?

Many Christians choose Psalm 91 as the most encouraging sermon from the book of Psalms because it proclaims the blessing bestowed upon those who trust in the Lord.

It is promised that they will rest in God’s shadow. The Bible promises that the Lord will protect Christians from every trap and disease.

We are told not to be afraid of anything during the day or at night and not to fear sickness or disaster because the Lord will shelter us.

The Bible emphasizes on the importance of loving God because those who love Him will be answered whenever they call.

How Do You Preach the Book of Psalms?

Most theologians advise that to preach the book of Psalms, one has to read and understand the message being conveyed to avoid missing the meaning.

They emphasize that people should not just expect that the climax of the teachings is at the end of the chapter but read and find where the main message is because that’s where the climax is and where most emphasis should be placed.

Many Christians argue that chapters in the book of Psalms should not be preached in isolation but should be grouped because most have similar or relative messages.

Lastly, because most of the book of Psalms comprises songs, preachers are urged to strive to keep the poem alive.

Poems are emotive and appeal to our imaginative side, and the book of Psalms isn’t any different. They should try to explain the message extensively without interfering with the nature of the songs.