Liturgy

Listen to the Psalms of Ascents

Pastor Steve Brown of Key Life Ministries recorded the Psalms of Ascents (ESV) for Christ the King.  Consider this an opportunity to have a pastor deeply experienced in the joys and sorrows of ministry and life read scripture to you.

{download zip file of recordings}

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Liturgy for the Psalms of Ascents

Worship Guides from Christ the King (PDF)

Psalm 120 | Psalm 121 | Psalm 122 | Psalm 123 | Psalm 124

Psalm 125 | Psalm 126 | Psalm 127 | Psalm 128 | Psalm 129

Psalm 130 | Psalm 131 | Psalm 132 | Psalm 133 | Psalm 134

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The Psalms of Ascents as Ancient Liturgy (PDF)

by Dr. Scott Redd, Old Testament Professor – Reformed Theological Seminary, FL

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Scripts for congregational reading of the Psalms of Ascents (PDF)

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Holy Week Devotional with Psalms of Ascents (PDF)

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Maundy Thursday | Psalms of Ascents Service (Worship Guide)

Psalm 123 "Help Higher than the Hills" (c) Aaron Collier, UBP

PDF of notes on the various interpretations and uses of the Psalms of Ascents

  • E.G. King was the first to propose that the 15 psalms correspond to the steps given in the ideal Temple of Ezekiel.  One flight of 7 steps led to the outer court and another flight of 8 steps, to the inner court.
  • In Dr. King’s theory this grouping is regarded as being significant in so far as the Psalms of ascents display a similar division and consist of two groups comprising 7 and 8 psalms respectively.  This latter group is regarded as corresponding with the former group in inverted order.
  • Psalm 132 is quoted by the chronicler (11 Chron 6.41) as the dedication prayer of Solomon.
  • The ceremony of a Dedication-procession is then envisaged by Dr. King.  Two bands of singers, moving in opposite directions, ultimately meet and greet each other with Psalm 134.
  • Leon Liebreich, The Songs of AScents and the Priestly Blessings
  • Thesis – the group of psalms is related, directly or indirectly, to four essential words of the blessings of the priests.  Shalon, Barach, Shamar, etc.
  • The fifteen psalms are to be regarded as an exposition of the priestly blessing, similar to the homilies found in Midrashic literature.
  • Keet’s theory is that the true historical background for the Psalms of Ascents is the offering of the Bikkurim  – pilgrims bringing their first-fruits to the temple.
  • The Greek church appointed these psalms for use at Vespers upon the fifteen sundays preceding christmas – which corresponds liturgically and seasonally.