I think I believe I figured out the origin of "Song of Ascents"..

[popsadie]

A few days ago, there was a Bono interview published in a French newspaper. Within the article he mentioned the importance of a long obedience in the same direction", which originated with Nietzche. However, Eugene Peterson wrote a book titled "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction" and since Bono has often mentioned his love for Peterson's paraphrase of Scripture, The Message, I sense that this might be the place where Bono found this idea. Anyway, I googled this Peterson text and found that on page 18 Peterson discusses the importance of Psalms 120-134 in guiding Christian maturity and these psalms are known as "The Song of the Ascents".

 

[Galeongirl]

Shame the album's name is actually Songs of Ascent.

 

[popsadie]

Actually, that is what I meant to type...sorry.

 

[BVS]

No offense, but this has been fairly well known since Bono first mentioned it. Several people in here mention the connection to the Psalms.

 

[popsadie]

Yes, the connection to the Psalms I knew as well, but I didn't realize that the quote of Nietzche's and the album title were connected...