Customer Reviews

Learning to Pray Through the Psalms

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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!

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.

This is really good about helping you understand how the Psalms apply to your life now, and how they can help you express your heart to God.