Singing the Psalms [in Goodson Chapel]

For centuries, monastic orders and other faith communities have prayed the Psalms cyclically from beginning to end. The musical character of the Psalms has long been expressed through various settings-from simple chant to congregational antiphons, responsive readings to complex choral settings.

You are invited to join musicians and worship leaders from Duke Chapel as we pray the book of Psalms from beginning to end. A variety of musical settings will be paired with a new English translation of the texts created by Dr. Ellen F. Davis, Amos Ragan Kearns Distinguished Professor of Bible and Practical Theology at Duke Divinity School and a member of Duke Chapel's National Advisory Board. This translation is being prepared for inclusion in The Chapel Hymnal, a new resource from Duke University Chapel scheduled for publication in 2025-2026.

The cycle will begin with Psalm 1 at 8:00 a.m. and continue throughout the day with brief breaks after every ten psalms, and a longer break at the noon hour. The entire experience is expected to take between eight and ten hours. Participants are welcome to come and go, and stay for as little or as long as they wish.