Learning to Pray Through the Psalms [Paperback]

James W. Sire (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 12, 2005

Weariness. Wonder. Joy. Longing. Anger. These are the feelings of the Psalms: honest expressions of pain and joy penned by real people in the midst of real life circumstances. Though they were written centuries ago, the Psalms still resonate deeply with us today, giving voice to our thoughts and longings: "Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD." (Psalm 130:1) "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1) "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God." (Psalm 84:2) In Learning to Pray Through the Psalms, James W. Sire teaches us to take our appreciation for this rich book of Scripture a step further. Choosing ten specific psalms, Sire offers background information that helps us read each one with deeper insight and then lays out a meditative, step-by-step approach to using the psalmists' words as a guide for our own personal conversation with God. A group study is also included in each chapter, along with a guide for praying through the psalm in community. The Lord loves when his people pray. And his Word is a powerful tool for framing honest, intimate prayers. Sire's innovative approach will enrich our minds and our souls as we read more perceptively and pray with all of our emotions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The country of the Psalms--its soaring mountains, cascading streams, wildflower meadows of prayers--compels exploration. Jim Sire's wide-ranging intelligence, fused with his attentive spirit, makes him a welcome guide through this country, opening our eyes and ears--our hearts!--to these prayers that teach us to pray." (Eugene H. Peterson, author of A Long Obedience in the Same Direction and translator of The Message )

"At times intimate, at times pastoral, but always focused, Sire here creates a solid study of the Psalter for use in Christian devotion, be it private or corporate." (Phyllis Tickle, author of The Divine Hours )

Product Details

• Paperback: 229 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (December 12, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830833323
• ISBN-13: 978-0830833320
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #434,800 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

James W. Sire (Ph.D., University of Missouri), formerly a senior editor at InterVarsity Press, is an active speaker and writer. He has taught English, philosophy, theology, and short courses at many universities and seminaries. He continues to be a frequent guest lecturer in the United States and Europe. His InterVarsity Press books and Bible studies include The Universe Next Door (a worldviews textbook), Scripture Twisting, Discipleship of the Mind, Chris Chrisman Goes to College, Why Should Anyone Believe Anything at All?, Habits of the Mind: Intellectual Life as a Christian Calling, Naming the Elephant: Worldview as a Concept, Learning to Pray Through the Psalms, Why Good Arguments Often Fail and A Little Primer on Humble Apologetics.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sire wants his readers to experience the Psalms in their totality, April 3, 2006

By 

Christian Book Previews "Christian Book Previews" - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Learning to Pray Through the Psalms (Paperback)

Learning to Pray Through the Psalms is a book for people who are ready to listen to God. The author, James Sire, introduces his book with the thought that the Psalms are God's answering speech to each of us in all facets of our lives. With the hope that we will use the design presented to read further in the Psalms, the author takes an in depth look at eleven psalms. Each chapter follows the same outline: read, read, and then read again the psalm; look at the meaning of words and emotional structure; consider the context; make the psalm yours by fitting it to your own prayer needs; praying it in community; hints for the leader of a group; and adaptations for small group study. A useful study in its entirety, this book is also a good one for dipping into for its gems of wisdom, for instance: `The anchor of hope is indeed beyond the horizons of hope," (43) "Pray with the full arsenal of our emotions open to God," (105) "Let God be the one to judge as he sees fit." (162)

A former editor of InterVarsity Press, author of many Bible studies, and a Christian lecturer, James Sire brings years of research, study, and practical experience to this book. He has learned to appreciate the Psalms in their totality and wants his readers to have the same exciting experience. Adaptable for use with many ages from older elementary through adult, Learning to Pray Through the Psalms will find a niche in many home, church, and Christian school libraries. - Donna Eggett, Christian Book Previews.com

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful experience, June 21, 2010

By 

William D. Curnutt "Pastor Dan" (Wichita, KS, United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Learning to Pray Through the Psalms (Paperback)

What a well done book. I was given this book to read by another Pastor on our staff and thus put it in my pile of "to read" books and neglected it for a while. Boy am I sorry that I let it sit for five weeks. This book had gem after gem in it about the structure of the Psalms, how to pray the Psalms and very practical guidelines for having a small group go through the material.

Each chapter focuses on a different Psalm and takes you to new depths in thinking about what the Psalmist wrote, felt, experienced, wanted or pursued. We are brought to face the fact that in life each of us has good days and bad days. On the good days we rejoice and thank God, but on the bad days we often ignore God or instead of giving Him praise we complain about how "He" has dealt with us.

The Psalms are filled with plenty of "how to" prayers, praises, complaints and supplications. When we are unsure of how to proceed in approaching God, just turn to the Psalms and you will find the help you need.

I loved the way the book was laid out. I thought the small group guidelines were good and I look forward to taking a small group through this study on prayer in the near future.

You won't be disappointed in this book.

Enjoy!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well done., April 6, 2009

By 

K. Alexander (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Learning to Pray Through the Psalms (Paperback)

The book presents the prospect of praying the Psalms in the context of a deep "reading" of the psalms. I found it to be a responsible and thoughtful approach far superior to memorizing phrases.