Hjälpsalter

Hjälpsalter is a Swedish term used to describe a small or supplementary psalter intended as a devotional aid. The word combines hjälp, meaning help or aid, with psalter, referring to the Book of Psalms. The exact form and content of a hjälpsalter varied, but it generally served as a practical tool to facilitate private prayer and daily devotion.

Historically, hjälpsalter appears in Swedish-language religious literature in the early modern period and was used in households, churches, and by clergy. It was often a pocket-sized or compact edition meant to be carried or kept on a small desk, so readers could access selected psalms and prayers without handling a full psalter. Some editions included a curated selection of psalms, brief prayers, canticles, and simple liturgical directions; others functioned as a supplement to a larger psalter or hymn book.

Content and structure of hjälpsalter commonly reflected devotional needs, such as prayers for daily work, illness, travel, family life, or evening and morning devotions. While many hjälpsalter editions emphasized accessibility and practicality, others offered thematic arrangements or annotations that guided users through meditative or liturgical routines.

Cultural significance of the hjälpsalter lies in its role in promoting personal piety and private worship within Lutheran-leaning contexts. Although the form is less common today, the concept persists in modern pocket devotional books and digital prayer aids, and it remains a point of interest for scholars studying historical lay devotion and liturgical culture.