Margaret Daly-Denton's early career was as an organist and composer with an academic and practical involvement in liturgy. More recently, her doctoral research at Trinity College Dublin on the early Christian reception of the psalms, was published as David in the Fourth Gospel (2000). She has taught Bible and liturgy at various institutions in Ireland including TCD, The Church of Ireland Theological College and the Priory Institute.

For people who treasure the psalms and yet are often quite mystified by them; for bewildered worshippers who wonder what 'Og the King of Bashan' and 'making your enemies a footstool for your feet' might possibly have to do with Christian prayer; for those who draw comfort and inspiration from some psalms but recoil from the violence and wince at the self-righteousness in others; for those baffled by the liturgy's apparent obsession with the psalms; help is at hand. In this book, a scripture scholar and inspiring teacher with a deep interest in the Christian liturgical tradition accompanies the reader through a profitable and enjoyable learning experience. From the Psalter as a collection of ancient Israelite religious poetry, traditionally associated with King David, to the New Testament portrayal of Jesus as pray-er of the psalms, Margaret guides her reader through the centuries-long process of re-interpretation that is ongoing today as psalms sung in worship shape the everyday prayerfulness of Christians. Throughout the book, Bible-reading suggestions point the reader towards self-directed learning. Written in an accessible and friendly style, Psalm-Shaped Prayerfulness is intended for newcomers to biblical studies, people training for ministry, church musicians, members of parish liturgy teams, and anyone with an interest in the scriptural roots of Christian spirituality.