Q&A: Psalms
Psalms
Question
Is there any value in reciting Psalms for healing or rescue?
Answer
In my opinion, no. And there may perhaps even be a prohibition involved (depending on whether you think the recitation will help, or whether this is simply the wording you chose in order to turn to the Holy One, blessed be He, with your requests. That is itself a strange choice, because a chapter of Psalms never really formulates what you actually want). See column 392.
Discussion on Answer
The phrase "so that" there does not mean "for the sake of." If you honor them, your days will be lengthened. The question of whether to do it for the sake of long life is a different discussion altogether (that would be a commandment not for its own sake). "One who gives charity so that my son will live," and so on.
I read the column, and it is a bit unclear to me, because the Torah itself sometimes gives promises regarding certain commandments, such as: "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be lengthened."