"The central role of prayer in the life of the Christian church, and other non-Christian religions, is not only a feature of their existence, but also a motivation and driving force for their effective presence in the world and society. The Roman Catholic tradition, continuing a practice that has its origins in the life of Israel, by means of its Liturgy of the Hours invites those closely associated with the life and ministry of the church, and any one else who might feel so inclined, to pray the Book of Psalms across the days, weeks, and months of the year. Frank Matera guides and encourages all who pray the Psalms by associating every hymn with the person and mission of Jesus Christ, recalling a practice of the earliest Fathers and Mothers of the church. A systematic use of this delightful book, structured to follow the use of the Psalms as they appear across the church's year, gives profound Christian energy to our daily prayer." Francis J. Moloney, SDB, Catholic Theological College, University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia.