To understand the Psalms, we need to remember that we are treading on holy ground. The writers of these extraordinary songs were in touch with God, the Holy One. Sometimes they raged at him, sometimes they adored him. Often they consciously did neither, but just got on with living a godly life, keeping an eye God-wards all the while. In this first of two volumes, we start to explore the Psalms, pondering their meanings, savouring their poetry, and joining with the communities of faith who over the years have used them in worship.