Learning and Praying the Psalms: Art Zannoni Addresses the SJA Bible Study Group

It is customary for the St. Joan’s Bible Study Group to alternate between books of the bible and other documents of theology or spirituality by other (and usually more contemporary) authors. Having just completed an intriguing analysis of Holy Week by John Dominic Crossan and Marcus Borg it was time for us to go back to the thick book that is already in all of our home libraries. We were thrilled and fortunate to have it coincide with a chance to have am esteemed guest scholar get us started on taking a look at the Book of Psalms.

Art Zannoni is an author, (the group used his book on Parables during an earlier session), a dynamic teacher, a theologian and Biblical scholar. He recalled his first encounter at St. Joan of Arc and remarked that he has returned many times. He says this is his thirteenth visit (as a lecturer). He spoke to a substantial group…both Bible Study ‘regulars’ and a variety of new faces…in Hospitality Hall on Tuesday evening where he will also return for a second lesson Tuesday (October 23).

The Book of Psalms is perched at the very middle of the bible and is made up of 150 individual Psalms. In the original Hebrew they are in the poetic form and although we have virtually no existing notation of how they may sound they were musical hymns that were sung and performed on stringed instruments. Zannoni shared a quote stating that the Psalms are the “exposition of a peoples’ faith-expressed in poetry”.

Historically the Psalms date back to the period between 922 BCE and 400 BCE. They are closely related to the history of the Jewish temple. They were authored by several contributors, certainly beyond the tradition that ascribes them to Solomon or to King David. We were also given a detailed exploration of various forms of Hebrew poetry, and ways in which it is distinct from ‘English’ poetry. A common attribute shared by both, however, is the contention that while “prose conveys information, poetry expresses inspiration”.

The individual Psalms can be divided into a few subgroups based on style and intent. Many are simply stated as Hymns of Praise. A community or an individual expresses the experience of the presence of God in the Psalms known as hymns. “Praise the Lord all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples! For great is his love toward us, the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.” (Psalm 117). There are also hymns of thanksgiving, and psalms used for asking God’s forgiveness. Over one third of the Psalms are laments; an expression of prayer for help coming out of a deep feeling, or an experience of pain. We will focus on the laments in our second meeting.

Art Zannoni has provided us a solid background for studying and praying the Psalms, several steps for approaching the text, as well as a bibliography for further reading. We will be graced with one more faith and fact-filled evening of his insight and instruction, and then we will continue with a multi-week exploration into the Book of Psalms. Of course we invite all to attend Tuesdays at 7PM as we know that while it is wonderful to have a teacher with the depth and heft of Art Zannoni, it is the input of the community that makes such a study even more successful.

Art Zannoni appeared Tuesday October 9 at St. Joan of Arc for the first of two lectures on the Book of Psalms. The second address will be held 7 PM Tuesday October 30 in Hospitality Hall.

David Rotert is a communications technician. He, his wife Sue and two boys used to walk to SJA each Sunday. They since moved to St Louis Park, but are now happy to make the drive. David and his family have been attending SJA for over 10 years. You may see him serving host or wine on Sundays, and doing the readings whenever he can help. He is also always game for a good philosophical discussion. David can be reached at dsrotert@worldnet.att.net.

Rita Nohner is a long-time parishioner of SJA and considers St. Joan of Arc her spiritual home. She enjoys being involved in the Bible Study, Soup Suppers, Team Oz and international ministries. Rita's passions are traveling and photography. She and her husband Jeff have a small photography and video business which keeps them both very busy. She can be reached at rita@lifeimagellc.com.