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Songs of Praise A Psalter Devotional for Orthodox Women
Devotional and journaling Psalter, The complete Psalter with a meditation at the end of each kathisma. Wide margins for note taking and journaling pages at the end of each kathisma.
- GenresChristian
383 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2018
13 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Leontaritis
6 books55 followersSylvia Leontaritis was born and raised in Campbell, Ohio. She has loved words since she was old enough to string them together, and when her second-grade teacher taped her story to the blackboard, she knew she wanted to be an author when she grew up. Sylvia currently resides in North Carolina with her husband, three sons, and their dog, Olive.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 24, 2019
Life Changing Devotional
“Songs of Praise a Psalter Devotional for Orthodox Women” by Sylvia Leontaritis is the book we all have been waiting for. One of the big missing links in Orthodoxy was its lack of devotionals, in particular ones for women. FINALLY, we have this beautifully written Psalter Devotional. I was so excited when I was chosen to read it and review it as we just couldn’t afford a copy of it at the time. Gods timing was perfect. My husband was returning to day shift when I received the copy and we made a decision to go through the Psalter together. While it primarily is a devotional for women a lot of it can be applied to men as well.
When you open the book you are greeted with what a Psalter group is and how it works in Orthodox circles. Most of us have at least heard of one or participated in one during a great fast. It then goes into talking about what particular saints have to say about reading the Psalter. Then, she lays out the prayers you should be saying before and after each Kathisma.
She really encourages you to journal and dig deep into each Kathisma, there are 20 if you aren’t familiar with the Psalter. With each Kathisma are the Psalms, a devotion with her thoughts, a quote from a saint and journaling pages. She walks you through what her mornings look like and that led us to start reading it every morning before my husband left for work.
What a beautiful way to start your morning! While the house was still quiet, my husband would get ready for the day and I would read to him. He said that starting his day off with the Psalms really made a big difference in his day and it did mine as well! We also really enjoyed the morning time together that we normally didn’t get as I wouldn’t normally get up with him. After doing this for 20 days or so, we have formed a habit and plan to continue these mornings but working through the bible in a year since this book is complete. However; we do plan on still opening it and using it many many more times during the great fast. I literally can’t recommend this book enough. I can finally say that I have read the entire Psalter and it’s thanks to this book! I honestly don’t believe I would have done it otherwise and it feels so good!
Thank you Sylvia for giving us Orthodox women such a beautiful devotional! I pray that it is as big of a blessing to everyone else as it was for us.
“Songs of Praise a Psalter Devotional for Orthodox Women” by Sylvia Leontaritis is the book we all have been waiting for. One of the big missing links in Orthodoxy was its lack of devotionals, in particular ones for women. FINALLY, we have this beautifully written Psalter Devotional. I was so excited when I was chosen to read it and review it as we just couldn’t afford a copy of it at the time. Gods timing was perfect. My husband was returning to day shift when I received the copy and we made a decision to go through the Psalter together. While it primarily is a devotional for women a lot of it can be applied to men as well.
When you open the book you are greeted with what a Psalter group is and how it works in Orthodox circles. Most of us have at least heard of one or participated in one during a great fast. It then goes into talking about what particular saints have to say about reading the Psalter. Then, she lays out the prayers you should be saying before and after each Kathisma.
She really encourages you to journal and dig deep into each Kathisma, there are 20 if you aren’t familiar with the Psalter. With each Kathisma are the Psalms, a devotion with her thoughts, a quote from a saint and journaling pages. She walks you through what her mornings look like and that led us to start reading it every morning before my husband left for work.
What a beautiful way to start your morning! While the house was still quiet, my husband would get ready for the day and I would read to him. He said that starting his day off with the Psalms really made a big difference in his day and it did mine as well! We also really enjoyed the morning time together that we normally didn’t get as I wouldn’t normally get up with him. After doing this for 20 days or so, we have formed a habit and plan to continue these mornings but working through the bible in a year since this book is complete. However; we do plan on still opening it and using it many many more times during the great fast. I literally can’t recommend this book enough. I can finally say that I have read the entire Psalter and it’s thanks to this book! I honestly don’t believe I would have done it otherwise and it feels so good!
Thank you Sylvia for giving us Orthodox women such a beautiful devotional! I pray that it is as big of a blessing to everyone else as it was for us.
December 6, 2022
I read this book continually. It’s a great devotional
December 3, 2018
My copy of Songs of Praise, A Psalter Devotional for Orthodox Women came in the mail today. I eagerly dove right into it.
The author, Sylvia Leontaritis, begins with a section about Psalter Prayer groups and how they work – something prayer groups are all familiar with. She then shares what some of the Church Fathers have said regarding reading the Psalms. And then she lays out prayers to be said before reading the Psalms.
This section is identical to what I do, except there is an additional prayer. This season, instead of using the Psalter I have used in the past, I chose to use “A Psalter for Prayer” which states on the title page that it is an adaptation of the Classic Miles Coverdale translation. This book is published by Holy Trinity Publications at Jordanville, NY. It also gives a longer guide for prayers before reading a kathisma (and also gives additional prayers at the end). I have found the prayer before reading to be most helpful and was thrilled to see it in Songs of Praise.
I am sharing here Sylvia’s updated version instead of the Coverdale which uses the more archaic English.
O Most Holy Trinity, God and Creator of the whole world, come and direct my heart to begin with understanding and to end with good works this divinely inspired book, which the Holy Spirit uttered through the lips of David, which I now desire to recite, unworthy though I am. Knowing well, mine own ignorance, I fall down before You and pray begging Your help, O Lord: direct my mind and make my heart steadfast, that I may not grow weary because of the words which my lips read, but that I may be gladdened with the understanding of I read and may be prepared for the doing of the good works that I learn. Enlightened by good deeds, may I become a citizen of the land which is at Your right hand, with all Your elect. And now, O Master, bless me, that having sighed from my heart, I may sing with my tongue, saying,
O come, let us worship God, our King
O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God.
O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.
Each kathisma is printed in order with Bible verse numbers off to the side so that they won’t be distracting when praying through the Psalms. She uses the numbering of the Septuagint for the Psalms themselves.
At the end of each kathisma, she has a short meditation followed by journaling pages in case you want to make your own notes about what you have read. The margins on each page are wide so you can also make notes there. Sylvia is a writer and finds journaling very helpful in her life and encourages the reader to give it a try if she doesn’t journal now.
I like the idea of this book because I hesitate to write in a Bible and I honestly haven’t wanted to write in one of my Psalters because they FEEL so much like a Bible. This book has all the information, is for all intents and purposes a Psalter, but it has a more casual feel to it. I will not hesitate to underline things that speak to me, things that I want to meditate on more than just in my daily readings.
UPDATE:
I first posted this review when I received my copy of Songs of Praise. Today I have finished it.
It is a beautiful book to use as a Psalter. The wording is familiar, but not stifled, modern and yet classic. What I hadn't realized until I got to the end is that the last pages contain a topical index of Psalms to read at an appropriate time. There are psalms about children, death, disasters, animals, health both physical and psychological. There are psalms that concern protection, property, work, and travel. This list is very informative and will be helpful to anyone who wants to pray particular Psalms in times of trouble or rejoicing. I love that this has been added to the book.
At first, I failed to see what the author's meditations after each kathisma had to do with what I had just read. But then I realized that there was a single verse from the kathisma under the title of the meditation. My eyes, being what they are, missed the first ones which are in smaller black type set on a gray background. As soon as I realized they were there, I knew to look for them with each reading. That simple verse brought everything for that day together.
I have read through the Psalter more times than I can count. Each time things "speak to me" a little differently. The circumstances in my life give me a slightly different perspective each time I read. And so different parts of God's word seem clearer to me while others remain more obscure. I am certain that if I can do this enough times. Every single word will have a deeper personal meaning for me. And isn't that what the final goal is? To know God in a personal way, to understand what He wants me to know at any given time in my life?
Thanksgiving has only just passed. But I am thankful for this book.
The author, Sylvia Leontaritis, begins with a section about Psalter Prayer groups and how they work – something prayer groups are all familiar with. She then shares what some of the Church Fathers have said regarding reading the Psalms. And then she lays out prayers to be said before reading the Psalms.
This section is identical to what I do, except there is an additional prayer. This season, instead of using the Psalter I have used in the past, I chose to use “A Psalter for Prayer” which states on the title page that it is an adaptation of the Classic Miles Coverdale translation. This book is published by Holy Trinity Publications at Jordanville, NY. It also gives a longer guide for prayers before reading a kathisma (and also gives additional prayers at the end). I have found the prayer before reading to be most helpful and was thrilled to see it in Songs of Praise.
I am sharing here Sylvia’s updated version instead of the Coverdale which uses the more archaic English.
O Most Holy Trinity, God and Creator of the whole world, come and direct my heart to begin with understanding and to end with good works this divinely inspired book, which the Holy Spirit uttered through the lips of David, which I now desire to recite, unworthy though I am. Knowing well, mine own ignorance, I fall down before You and pray begging Your help, O Lord: direct my mind and make my heart steadfast, that I may not grow weary because of the words which my lips read, but that I may be gladdened with the understanding of I read and may be prepared for the doing of the good works that I learn. Enlightened by good deeds, may I become a citizen of the land which is at Your right hand, with all Your elect. And now, O Master, bless me, that having sighed from my heart, I may sing with my tongue, saying,
O come, let us worship God, our King
O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God.
O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.
Each kathisma is printed in order with Bible verse numbers off to the side so that they won’t be distracting when praying through the Psalms. She uses the numbering of the Septuagint for the Psalms themselves.
At the end of each kathisma, she has a short meditation followed by journaling pages in case you want to make your own notes about what you have read. The margins on each page are wide so you can also make notes there. Sylvia is a writer and finds journaling very helpful in her life and encourages the reader to give it a try if she doesn’t journal now.
I like the idea of this book because I hesitate to write in a Bible and I honestly haven’t wanted to write in one of my Psalters because they FEEL so much like a Bible. This book has all the information, is for all intents and purposes a Psalter, but it has a more casual feel to it. I will not hesitate to underline things that speak to me, things that I want to meditate on more than just in my daily readings.
UPDATE:
I first posted this review when I received my copy of Songs of Praise. Today I have finished it.
It is a beautiful book to use as a Psalter. The wording is familiar, but not stifled, modern and yet classic. What I hadn't realized until I got to the end is that the last pages contain a topical index of Psalms to read at an appropriate time. There are psalms about children, death, disasters, animals, health both physical and psychological. There are psalms that concern protection, property, work, and travel. This list is very informative and will be helpful to anyone who wants to pray particular Psalms in times of trouble or rejoicing. I love that this has been added to the book.
At first, I failed to see what the author's meditations after each kathisma had to do with what I had just read. But then I realized that there was a single verse from the kathisma under the title of the meditation. My eyes, being what they are, missed the first ones which are in smaller black type set on a gray background. As soon as I realized they were there, I knew to look for them with each reading. That simple verse brought everything for that day together.
I have read through the Psalter more times than I can count. Each time things "speak to me" a little differently. The circumstances in my life give me a slightly different perspective each time I read. And so different parts of God's word seem clearer to me while others remain more obscure. I am certain that if I can do this enough times. Every single word will have a deeper personal meaning for me. And isn't that what the final goal is? To know God in a personal way, to understand what He wants me to know at any given time in my life?
Thanksgiving has only just passed. But I am thankful for this book.
February 12, 2019
Beautiful book inside and out. Love the devotional after each kathisma. So glad I bought this book!
February 27, 2019
The Psalms are some of the most beautifully written texts in the Old Testament. Many prayers, songs, and well known quotations have come from this book of the Bible. Prophet David wrote this poetic collection of praise and lamentation that describes the human experience in a way that many of us can relate to. For many years, I have participated in Psalter groups during the Nativity or Lenten Fasts. Sylvia Leontaritis’ Songs of Praise: A Psalter Devotional for Orthodox Women is excellent way to read the Psalter and reflect upon it.
As a member of different Psalter groups, I have read the Psalms from a Bible, a traditional Psalter, and now as part of this book Songs of Praise. One of the first things that I enjoyed about this book was the large margins and space to write upon the pages. I have never felt comfortable writing in my Bible or Psalter book and Songs of Praise invites you to engage with the text. I finally felt comfortable underlining my favorite Psalms and notating places that I have heard these Psalms throughout my life. It was wonderful to read the Psalms in this format.
The reflections at the end of each Kathisma were thought-provoking and poignant. Sylvia Leontaritis reflects on the experiences that Prophet David proclaims in the Psalms and helps the reader to reflect on their own daily experience as an Orthodox woman. The various reflections guide you to examine your faith and practice. She also challenges the reader to make changes in their lives and to write down their aspirations. I found the topics relevant to my experiences as an Orthodox woman and I enjoyed the opportunity for contemplation.
Finally, after each Kathisma and author’s reflection, there are numerous pages of blank lines for journaling. I read this book daily for my current Nativity Psalter group. In my experience, each day or time that I read the Psalms, there are different parts that leave an impression on me. As I took the time to journal, I would date each entry and many of my written thoughts related to my current life experiences. A typical Psalter group reads through the Psalms twice over the course of the 40 day fast. I look forward to having the space to continue future reflections in this book over the years to come. It will be wonderful to have a collection of my thoughts with each Kathisma, my own personal “songs of praise” to accompany those of Prophet David.
*Disclosure: This book was gifted to me in exchange for my honest opinion.
As a member of different Psalter groups, I have read the Psalms from a Bible, a traditional Psalter, and now as part of this book Songs of Praise. One of the first things that I enjoyed about this book was the large margins and space to write upon the pages. I have never felt comfortable writing in my Bible or Psalter book and Songs of Praise invites you to engage with the text. I finally felt comfortable underlining my favorite Psalms and notating places that I have heard these Psalms throughout my life. It was wonderful to read the Psalms in this format.
The reflections at the end of each Kathisma were thought-provoking and poignant. Sylvia Leontaritis reflects on the experiences that Prophet David proclaims in the Psalms and helps the reader to reflect on their own daily experience as an Orthodox woman. The various reflections guide you to examine your faith and practice. She also challenges the reader to make changes in their lives and to write down their aspirations. I found the topics relevant to my experiences as an Orthodox woman and I enjoyed the opportunity for contemplation.
Finally, after each Kathisma and author’s reflection, there are numerous pages of blank lines for journaling. I read this book daily for my current Nativity Psalter group. In my experience, each day or time that I read the Psalms, there are different parts that leave an impression on me. As I took the time to journal, I would date each entry and many of my written thoughts related to my current life experiences. A typical Psalter group reads through the Psalms twice over the course of the 40 day fast. I look forward to having the space to continue future reflections in this book over the years to come. It will be wonderful to have a collection of my thoughts with each Kathisma, my own personal “songs of praise” to accompany those of Prophet David.
*Disclosure: This book was gifted to me in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 27, 2021
I was generally aware of the reading of Kathismas (the psalter divided into twenty parts to make it easy to read in one sitting, or 1/20th of the Psalms) in the Orthodox Church (of which are relatively new converts) during fast periods, typically Great Lent and Advent. I had never undertaken the exercise though. As part of my need to cleanse my mind of the world this Advent, it seemed like the perfect time to begin the practice. And I’m so glad I did! I generally reserved my reading for the end of the day and I looked forward to dwelling in the ancient words and wisdom of King David each night.
The psalms are beautifully written of course, but more than that they show the range of man’s greatness and his failings. David’s heroism was epic, his love of God profound, and his transgressions so very human. I found it surprisingly comforting to find that David was more than a little bit whiny. He was a radically flawed man, despite his greatness. But it’s his repentance that matters and that gives hope to us ordinary folk.
The biggest thing I got out of reading the Psalter, however was the glory and majesty of God. I came away from my daily reading overwhelmed by his steadfast love and the need to give thanks for this and his miraculous creation.
I also enjoyed Sylvia Leontaritis’s commentary at the end of each Kathisma. Her notes were usually linked to a single line in the Psalms, and were directed to the lives of modern Orthodox women. She had some wonderful suggestions for incorporating Orthodoxy into the “little church” of our homes. I read about the lives of the Saints daily, and my children have several books on Saints including a new one they just got for Christmas, but we do not talk about the Saints together. We need to start doing that! I also liked the space left in the book for notes or journaling and I used them to make note of the things I was grateful for on the day I read each Kathisma.
My only complaint about the book is that I would have liked some more commentary on the Psalms themselves. There are a lot of historical details that I would have liked explained. But there are other books for that, and for my purposes this time around, this book more than met my needs. I am looking forward to reading it again when Great Lent comes around.
The psalms are beautifully written of course, but more than that they show the range of man’s greatness and his failings. David’s heroism was epic, his love of God profound, and his transgressions so very human. I found it surprisingly comforting to find that David was more than a little bit whiny. He was a radically flawed man, despite his greatness. But it’s his repentance that matters and that gives hope to us ordinary folk.
The biggest thing I got out of reading the Psalter, however was the glory and majesty of God. I came away from my daily reading overwhelmed by his steadfast love and the need to give thanks for this and his miraculous creation.
I also enjoyed Sylvia Leontaritis’s commentary at the end of each Kathisma. Her notes were usually linked to a single line in the Psalms, and were directed to the lives of modern Orthodox women. She had some wonderful suggestions for incorporating Orthodoxy into the “little church” of our homes. I read about the lives of the Saints daily, and my children have several books on Saints including a new one they just got for Christmas, but we do not talk about the Saints together. We need to start doing that! I also liked the space left in the book for notes or journaling and I used them to make note of the things I was grateful for on the day I read each Kathisma.
My only complaint about the book is that I would have liked some more commentary on the Psalms themselves. There are a lot of historical details that I would have liked explained. But there are other books for that, and for my purposes this time around, this book more than met my needs. I am looking forward to reading it again when Great Lent comes around.
July 7, 2021
This is a lovely opportunity for women to spend time in the Psalms. The Psalms are among the most quoted by our Christ, meaning that there is so much benefit in knowing them well. The Psalms are laced into the fibers of our lives as Orthodox, several references being made in our prayer rules and in the services every single week.
What I appreciate about this particular Psalter devotional is that it’s geared towards women and mothers through the personal life of the author who makes reference to her own life experiences as an application of the Psalms in her life. I had a few opportunities to consider the raising of my children, how we love the poor, and how I operate my home to the glory of the Lord with the words of Christ and Psalms in mind.
I think this is a good book to read on one’s own, either a Kathisma every day or every week; during a Fast or a different season of the Church. It can also be a good unifying tool for a small group of women from different backgrounds. Of course with all things spiritual, it is important to talk to your priest about questions and interpretations! But it’s a great conversation for women to gather around.
What I appreciate about this particular Psalter devotional is that it’s geared towards women and mothers through the personal life of the author who makes reference to her own life experiences as an application of the Psalms in her life. I had a few opportunities to consider the raising of my children, how we love the poor, and how I operate my home to the glory of the Lord with the words of Christ and Psalms in mind.
I think this is a good book to read on one’s own, either a Kathisma every day or every week; during a Fast or a different season of the Church. It can also be a good unifying tool for a small group of women from different backgrounds. Of course with all things spiritual, it is important to talk to your priest about questions and interpretations! But it’s a great conversation for women to gather around.
December 7, 2018
I have always loved reading the Psalms, but I as journey into Orthodoxy I have been overwhelmed with all the new things to learn as well as the things to unlearn. I admit the process left me frustrated, and my reading of the Psalms almost completely vanished. Yet in the few precious days I have had this book, my love for the Psalms has rekindled. The moment I opened it, and there was a prayer to read before reading the Psalm I knew this book was exactly what I need in this season of my Orthodox journey. I love the short section on Saints reading the Psalms and the reflections through out. Never mind the beautiful cover, large margins and beautiful reflections and subtle art inside. I am not sure I will use the journal pages inside, but I really appreciate that the option is there.
March 31, 2019
I really liked the layout of this psalter. Nice wide margins, the quotes from the saints were nice, and the suggested prayers were great too! The devotionals between each section were ok. Not always relevant to the psalms that were read and not always particularly deep, but it is nice to hear thoughts from other Orthodox moms on how to live and struggle through the Christian life. I especially loved the psalter group idea presented in the book and have been able to be part of one throughout the season of Lent (which means I'll be starting the book again tomorrow to go through the rest of Lent). The idea of praying and reading through the psalter with others is really cool and helped encouraged me to keep to my desire of reading it every day. Would definitely recommend.
March 24, 2025
The authors tie-ins on life that help break up the entirety of the book of Psalms shows how beautiful life and the Church marries together... as well as a woman's important role in it. I try to re-read this edition every year during Lent too and I'd recommend it to anyone especially if you like to make notes in your books (because this is more of a workbook) and feel skiddish about doing so in the much more formal edition, but of course! Haha!
September 8, 2020
It is so rare to find good material for Orthodox women. I really enjoyed this devotional - it's like a reading plan for the Book of Psalms, but also accompanied with thoughts from the author and space for your own journaling. Very well put together and I will definitely refer to it any time If feel the need. Hope to see more material from Sylvia.
April 8, 2019
Loved this book. I'm not usually one for devotionals, at least not while I was a Protestant. I'm not a mom but I am Orthodox. Her devotions reached me where I was, enlightened me and, with the Psalms, added strength to my walk in Orthodoxy.
October 20, 2019
This changed me. It is beautifully compiled, and the author's writing after each Kathisma is insightful. I found this in my recently deceased grandmother's closet and it has carried me through the heartache of her passing. I will turn to it again and again. I would love to see this become a series!
March 19, 2019
Awesome book! Would suggest to everyone! Definitely would buy it again!
November 28, 2021
Wonderful book! Easy to use; easy to read.
April 12, 2025
A lovely way to delve into the psalms and their beauty! With relatable stories and advice from Leontaritis, it was pleasant to read and soothing to the soul. Great book for Lent.
July 22, 2023
Great group devotional for Lent.
April 27, 2024
Perfect for a Psalter group!
December 24, 2024
This devotional makes it easy to follow along with the daily readings of the psalter because it is divided into the Kathismas for you. I also like the short devotionals and the journaling pages.
March 13, 2024
This is a beautiful book and so easy to use. I love the format with the kathismas spaced nicely and labeled with the number of each Psalm, and I enjoyed the devotional after each one, too. I know I will read it over and over again.
December 24, 2025
Wonderfully laid out with journaling pages and reflective passages. A great companion for daily reading and in preparation for Pascha and the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
December 26, 2025
I wasn't a big fan of the devotionals, very few left an impact.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews