The R.C. Ryan Center for Biblical Studies hosted “Read, Pray, Sing: The Psalms as an Entryway to the Scriptures,” earlier this month in the Carl Grant Events Center.
“My hope is that (those who attended) will see the Psalms in a new light and consider singing and praying the Psalms and that it will deepen their relationship with God,” said Ray Van Neste, associate professor of biblical studies and director of the R.C. Ryan Center for Biblical Studies.
The University Singers and Proclamation also sang praises based on text from the Psalms.
Chris Matthews, music department chairman, said students, faculty and guests chanted passages from the Psalms. Terry McRoberts, professor of music, served as accompanist.
Matthews said that for Psalmfest, a portion of the conference, he hoped to “present a variety of ways that performance of the Psalms can be incorporated into regular corporate (and private) worship,” including metrical settings of Psalms, chants, responsive readings and choral anthems.
Daniel Musselman, assistant professor of music, has been composing a new song, “Come and Sing!” The song, based on portions of Psalms 47 and 66, was performed by the University Singers.
“If we can get the Psalms, it will help us grasp the whole Bible,” Van Neste said.