Join us for this free course to draw closer to the heart of God by entering more deeply into the study of the Bible’s most beloved book of prayers and praises on the journey of faith.
Psalms has consistently been a favorite among God’s people throughout the centuries, beginning with the biblical authors themselves, who cite it more often in the New Testament than any other book from the Old Testament. Sometimes called the ‘Psalter’, the book of Psalms offers the Church a gift like no other. As biblical poetry, the Psalms are both the word of God to his people (revealing his person and program) and the words of people to their God (expressing their prayers and praises). Encountering the Heart of God in the Psalms will explore this both-and dynamic, by exposing how these inspired and exquisite poems are intended to draw us into a deep and living relationship with our Lord, both through our receptive listening to their message and through our liturgical and personal responses in prayer, song, and meditation.
To that end, the course will include an introduction to the Psalter as a biblical book, an explanation of how the various psalms reveal Christ, a detailed exposition of representative psalms from each of the five “Books” within the Book of Psalms, and abundant examples of the role of Psalms in the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) and in their “Responsorial” function in the Liturgy of the Word.
About the instructor
Prior to entering the Catholic Church in 2015, Vern enjoyed a long career as an evangelical protestant pastor, seminary professor, and founder and president of a Bible institute. His teaching specializations include biblical introduction and interpretation, languages and exegesis, and exposition and theology. He focused on Bible, History, and Philosophy in his undergraduate studies; he holds masters degrees in Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Literature; and he earned his Ph.D. in Exegetical Theology. Vern has authored a number of published and unpublished materials at both general and technical levels. When he is not in his study, he enjoys watching sports, woodworking, and especially spending time with his wife Carol, their two married children, and their ten grandchildren.
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