Psalm Hymns by L.L. Larkins is a collection of Old Testament Psalms, 107 to 150, that is a unique stand-alone volume providing ways to sing them as hymns. The Psalms are a lovely source for thinking deeper about the purpose of these scriptures and what they say about God’s Word. For example, why is 119 a love poem regarding God’s law? Focusing solely on these Psalms, you can think about what emotions are driving each Psalm, such as that written by survivors following Jerusalem’s desolation. These Psalms are examples of God’s command, faithfulness, unity, and laws told through beautiful songs set to familiar tunes. The Ten Commandments serve as a basis for understanding the deeper meaning of the Psalms. The Psalms are taken directly from the Bible but are formatted so they can be accompanied by music and sung specifically by a church choir. They can also be used for Bible study, Vacation Bible School, or personal enjoyment.

Some of the Psalms are separated into verses or feature a corporate reading divided into leader and group parts. While this is primarily for singing, the Psalms can also be used as a basis of a study to explore why these were written with lyrical intent and what the psalmist was saying. This can be done by putting the volume at the center of a Bible Study and taking each Psalm to determine what God’s Word means in each as well as how the Psalms work as a whole. These are great for uplifting conversations and can be used to discuss various themes such as Psalm 133’s focus on unity, a great example of trusting in God; Psalm 145’s focus on how no one can measure His greatness, and Psalm 125’s focus on those that trust in God will be like Mount Zion (to be unmoving). A unique way to view the Psalms, L L Larkins' Psalm Hymns is a lyrical and musical exploration perfect for church and spiritual occasions.

The book of Psalms in the Bible has served as a great source of inspiration for numerous songs. In Psalm Hymns: Volume Five, L L Larkins presents a lyrical method for singing the last chapters of Psalms, from 107 to 150. The collection includes a range of emotions and styles, from King David's love poem to God's law in Psalm 119 to the bitter lament of Psalm 137; the beautiful praises of the Psalms of ascent and the eternal character of God's command, love, kindness, and continuous protection in Psalms 107 and 108. The author encourages readers to use these psalm hymns for singing Bible studies, and life passages. Readers will also explore the historical human emotions expressed in difficult Psalms like Psalms 110 and 137.

Psalm Hymns: Volume Five uses familiar tunes like How Great Thou Art, Jesus Loves the Little Children, and It is Well With My Soul to sing the chapters in Psalms, making the experience of reading and praising God more engaging and accessible. Setting the Psalms to music invites readers to go beyond just reading the words to express their emotions and devotion through song. This is a powerful way to connect with the emotions and themes of the Psalms, as it brings joy and worship into one's daily life. The book is well-written, organized with a consistent format, and easy to follow with modern language, making it a powerful tool for connecting with the themes of the Psalms. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys singing for the Lord and giving Him praise.

Psalm Hymns: Volume Five, Psalms 107-150 by L. L. Larkins is a collection of Psalms adapted from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible in a mix of traditional and modern hymns, with music and lyrics that are singable and recitable for education and worship. The book is divided into the Psalm texts and hymn tunes which are traditional and modern melodies. The Psalms in this volume cover a range of themes, including praise, thanksgiving, and prayer. They also reflect on God's goodness, mercy, faithfulness, and humanity's response to God's actions. Traditional hymns like “My Jesus, I Love Thee” and “It Is Well with My Soul,” which are well-known and loved by many, are included as well as modern melodies that are easy to sing and remember and emphasize the importance of music in worship and praise.

The language is formal and reverent, reflecting the traditional tone of many hymns and Psalms. The text is written in a lyrical style, focusing on praising God's greatness and majesty. I was particularly moved by "Oh, How I Love Jesus" (Psalm 113) and "Jesus Paid It All" (Psalm 146), which capture the longing and gratitude characteristic of many of the Psalms. Psalm Hymns by L. L. Larkins is a beautiful collection that can be used in various settings, from formal worship services to personal devotionals. One of the things that struck me most is the way Larkins has woven together different musical styles and traditions to create something truly unique. From traditional hymns to contemporary melodies, each song is carefully crafted to honor the original Hebrew Psalms while still feeling fresh and relevant. It is a treasure trove for Christians and anyone who wants to feel God’s spirit moving through them.

Psalm Hymns Volume Five: Psalms 107-150 is a work of non-fiction in the Christian living, devotional, and music subgenres. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience. Penned by author L. L. Larkins, this stand-alone volume offers a lyrical method for singing Book V of the biblical Psalms, including many popular favorites and melodies that will be comforting and familiar to audiences of all ages. These hymns celebrate God's eternal character, loving-kindness, and faithfulness, while also exploring themes of personal devotion and divine care. The volume concludes the collection of Old Testament Psalms on a hopeful, grateful note.

Author L. L. Larkins offers another rich and immersive experience that is sure to deepen any devout reader’s understanding and appreciation of the Psalms. Larkins' lyrical adaptations are once again filled with enthusiasm, clarity, and compassion, bringing new life to these ancient texts and making them accessible and engaging in the context of both personal and communal worship. As I read along and imagined individuals and groups singing through the Psalms to the author’s bright and exploratory melodies, I was struck by the diversity of themes and emotions captured within, from expressions of praise and thanksgiving to lament and longing that all resonate strongly with our everyday lives. No matter where your faith lies, there are messages of harmony and peace for everyone found within this text, and the musical elements really served to highlight that to their full potential. Overall, Psalm Hymns Volume Five is a joyous musical resource and a powerful guide to a spiritual journey through the timeless wisdom and beauty of the Psalms. I would not hesitate to recommend this entire collection to those seeking new, creative routes to deepen their faith.