Christian Music Through the Ages: The Psalms in Christian History

From a very early time, psalms were used both in private worship and public gatherings. Mary's Magnificat in Luke 1 contains numerous allusions to the Psalms, as does Zechariah's song in the same chapter. Most scholars think the "hymn" sung by Jesus and the disciples to conclude the Last Supper was the Hallel, Psalms 113-118, regularly sung by Jews at Passover.