The psalter is the prayer book of Israel, the treasury of Israel's hopes and fears, successes and failures, loves and hates. For centuries they have provided the material for monastic and priestly prayer, and in every age have been used to express the prayers of Christians in moments of crisis or joy. A psalm is always used to provide the response to the First Reading at Mass. Since the revival of the use of the Liturgy of the Hours the psalter has again become increasingly important as a vehicle and expression of worship.

The Psalms are introduced by Henry Wansbrough OSB who also gives practical guidance for personal reading and reflection.

The Grail translation is used in the Prayer of the Church and the Catholic liturgy.