The Psalms, also known collectively as the Psalter, constitute the hymnal of ancient Israel and is contained in The Book of Common Prayer (pp. 581 ff.) The book of Psalms derives its name from psalmoi (Greek, designating instrumental music and the words that accompany the music). The 150 psalms may be classified as hymns of praise, laments, songs of trust, thanksgivings, sacred history, coronation or royal wedding psalms, meditations, and liturgical psalms. For example, Psalm 33, a "Shout for Joy," is a hymn in praise of God.
Although tradition has attributed the Psalms to King David, they were, in fact, composed by several unknown authors over many centuries. The psalms reflect the period from the time of David (1000 BC) to about 300 BC. Our prayerful use of the psalms place us in liturgical continuity with Judaism, our mother faith. It also places us in continuity with our Lord, who, without doubt, prayed the psalms. Episcopalians, please read "Concerning the Psalter" (Prayer Book, pp. 582-4).
"The early church sang Psalm 23 as the baptized person emerged from the font and proceeded into the newly illumined church for Eucharist. Contemporary churches turn to this psalm for Holy Communion and funerals, depending whether one stresses the early walk through darkness or the later banquet." [Harper's Bible Commentary, p. 444] An ancient "Psalm of David," Psalm 23 is classified as a "thanksgiving psalm" and a "song of confidence." Some psalms are three thousand years old; many are attributed to King David, but as noted above "the Psalter is the product of many minds during many centuries." [The New Oxford Annotated Bible, p. 674] In The Book of Common Prayer, Psalm 23 may be found on pages 476f. (two translations, including the beloved King James Version) and in the Psalter on pages 612f.