And there are many kinds of patterns, though all of them are designed to bring God into the stories we tell. We use the patterns to express praise, thanksgiving, lament, and celebration. So, yeah, there are patterns. Not always, but most of the time. And that's okay.
People can know what they're in for as they worship.
They can prepare their hearts. Patterns help them learn new psalms and remember them, since most of my people don't read or write. The patterns are also a benefit for the psalm writer. First, the challenge of the pattern itself causes us to reflect and meditate. Second, we can share the final psalm with the whole community in a way they can grasp it and integrate it into their own lives.