The psalms contain some of the most beautiful lines in Scripture, lines that inspire and comfort us when we need them most. They draw us into a life of prayer and praise and have been the prayerbook of the church, and often its hymnbook too, for 2,000 years. Jesus himself knew them and prayed them.

And they are profoundly honest about what human life is really like, from the heights to the depths. They take us on a rollercoaster of emotions, from joy to anguish, praise to fury, torment to a place of deep peace. They teach us that we can bring everything - our real lives, our doubts, joys, and even our very darkest feelings - into the presence of God.

In this film, Biblical scholar Paula Gooder introduces some of her favourite psalms and their themes of joy, lament, comfort and reconciliation, and reflect on how they can draw us closer to God.

The film includes live music, with members of the St Paul’s Cathedral Consort performing settings of psalms from across the centuries.

Dr Paula Gooder is Canon Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral. She is the author of many academic and popular books on theology, faith and the Bible including 'Journalling the Psalms: A guide for prayer and reflection' (Hodder 2022).

St Paul’s Cathedral Choir is led by Andrew Carwood MBE and is one of the leading choirs of the world.

The reader is Adjoa Andoh, who plays lead roles in 'Bridgerton', 'Doctor Who' and 'Casualty', as well at the National Theatre and with the Royal Shakespeare Company. She is a Licenced Lay Minister in the Church of England.