Almost everyone, whether religious or not, has heard Psalm 23 because it is quoted so frequently. Many other psalms are also familiar because they are quoted in music, in literature, or in the words of the worship service.
The psalms we know and love are the ones that come into our minds when we need them. They inspire us, comfort us, or correct us just when we need a word from the Lord. If you want to begin memorizing psalms, start with some of these favorites. Memorize the whole psalm or just the verses that speak most directly to you. Or read the psalm aloud several times a day until it is part of you.
| Psalms to bring us into God’s presence | 29; 95:1-7a; 96; 100 |
| Psalms about goodness | 1; 19; 24; 133; 136; 139 |
| Psalms of praise | 8; 97; 103; 107; 113; 145; 150 |
| Psalms of repentance and forgiveness | 32:1-5; 51; 103 |
| Psalms for times of trouble | 3; 14; 22; 37:1-11; 42; 46; 53; 116:1-7 |
| Psalms of confidence and trust | 23; 40:1-4; 91; 119:11; 121; 127 |