The Psalms were originally written as lyrics, as prayers set to music, as a soundtrack for all seasons and movements of the soul. Throughout the history of Israel and the church, the people of God have sung the psalms. Song invites us to internalize the Word of God with the whole self- body, mind, imagination, emotions and affections.

Below are playlists of psalms set to music. These playlists include a diverse variety of genres. You will find folk, country, rock, blues, gospel, jazz, classical, indie, and even some hip hop. I regularly add more songs to each list.

HERE is the compilation all psalm songs in my current collection (500 songs!).

(Tip: a subscription to YouTube Music allows unlimited listening in the background without ads.)

I have also subdivided the large collection into three separate playlists, one for each of these movements of the soul: Orientation, Disorientation, and Reorientation. Each playlist has more than 6 hours of listening:

For a playlist for psalms of ‘Orientation’ click HERE. These psalms affirm and celebrate that God is on His throne and life is good and well-ordered.

For a playlist for psalms of ‘Disorientation’ click HERE. These psalms are prayers that question God, God’s ways, and God’s presence, from a place of pain, failure, disappointment or persecution.

For a playlist for psalms of ‘Reorientation’ click HERE. These psalms are prayers that look back on suffering through the lens of God’s provision and deliverance, and look to the future with hope.

Orientation > Disorientation > Reorientation. This is real life. This is the narrative arc of every human story, every marriage, family, church, ethnic group, and nation. These are the primary movements we find in the greatest novels, films, plays, and symphonies. They are clearly seen in the grand narrative of the biblical story, from Genesis to Revelation.  Orientation> Disorientation> Reorientation… this is my story and yours.

I invite you to make these playlists a part of the rhythm of your days.

I also invite your feedback. Please let me know which songs are most significant to you and why.

Grace and peace,

Paul Dugan