Powerpoint Color-Coding Key

I have three color-coding systems in my powerpoint presentations depending on the focus.

  • If the psalm is a lament, I use five different colors corresponding to the five elements of a lament (address, complaint, request, motivation, and confidence).

  • If I am reflecting on the psalm through one of the six interpretive lenses, I use a different color for each lens (author, theology, editor, Jesus, New Testament, personal application)

  • There are seven other categories that I color-code (wisdom, history, sin/curse, call to worship, God’s character, royal/kingship, parallel passages) with yellow as a default.

CHART OF KEY WORDS AND VERSES FOR EACH PSALM

This chart gives an overview of the entire book of Psalms, providing a key word for each, as well as key verses and themes. The chart also notes the major quotations of the Psalms in the New Testament and contains information about authorship. It can be viewed here or downloaded as a PDF. The key words are largely from Laurence Kriegshauser’s book, Praying the Psalms in Christ, one of my favorite commentary on the Psalms.

Overview of the Psalms

Think of this as a Table of Contents which lists each psalm and how they arranged in relation to each other. It reveals the grand narrative of the Book of Psalms and is a handy reference for study and worship planning.

David and the Psalms

This chart summarizes the major events in the life of David and notes his emotional state at various points. Some psalms begin with a superscription that makes specific references to these events. These psalms are noted on the chart. Reviewing the life of David is a great way to begin to appreciate the intensity of his emotions as they are expressed in the Psalms. David was both an extraordinary and an ordinary man, one with whom all of us can identify on many levels.

“Go To” Psalms

What psalms do you “go to” when you’re sad, angry, thankful, discouraged or afraid? This resource can help you find just the psalm you need to pray in any situation. (This document continues to be edited)

guide for praying the psalms

One of my former students, Gabrielle Green, created a guide for praying through the Psalms one day at a time. You can download the guide for the first 50 psalms here.