The Book of Praise: Anglo-Genevan Psalter is a publication of the Canadian Reformed Churches,
a federation of more than sixty churches, most of which are in Canada and a few in the United States.
Our churches are rooted in the Great Reformation of the sixteenth century.
Our aim is to exalt the Triune God by faithfully proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Our Book of Praise has an important function within our worship
services. The word "praise" in the title reminds
us of the exhortation in the letter to the Hebrews: "… let us continually offer
up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name"
(13:15). Because of his grace and faithfulness, the Lord meets with the people of his
covenant in the worship service. In response to his Word we offer up our sacrifices of
praise in psalms and hymns. The creeds and confessions are also the fruit of lips that
acknowledge God’s name...
Presentation of 2014 Book of Praise to the Churches
A brief history of the Book of Praise
When our forefathers arrived in Canada in the early 1950s, they noticed the absence
of an English Psalter that used the familiar Genevan melodies. There was discussion
as to what to do. Should they use the Psalter Hymnal of the Christian Reformed Church
(CRC)? Or should they make their own Genevan Psalter? Although the worship services
were first held in the Dutch language in which they could use the Dutch Psalter, they
felt it important to develop an English one....
What's new in the 2014 Book of Praise?
The 2014 Book of Praise replaces the 2010 Authorized Provisional Version. Synod
Carman 2013 mandated a significant number of changes to the Book of Praise. Read on for
more details on what has changed in this edition.
A Special Resource for Accompanists
Mr. Dennis Teitsma of Grace Canadian Reformed Church in Winnipeg has prepared harmonizations (including short preludes & postludes)
for the 150 Psalms and 85 Hymns in the Book of Praise, and he has generously made these available free of charge by way of this website!
In order to assist accompanists in finding material for accompaniment during the worship services,
the Committee maintains a list of resources that should be of benefit in this regard. You will also find
a set of helpful indexes for the Book of Praise, as well as links to other resources about the
Genevan Psalter.
