Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer (Paperback)

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Key Phrases: hallelujah psalms, pray the psalms, God of Israel

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Eugene H. Peterson speaks to Christians who realize the necessity for prayer and yearn for it but who find their prayer unconvincing and unsatisfying. Addressing the causes of this dissatisfaction, Answering God offers guidelines for using the Psalms as dynamic tools for prayer.

From the Publisher

Guidelines for using the Psalms as prayer.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne (April 26, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060665122
• ISBN-13: 978-0060665128
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #91,040 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars open the door..., August 24, 2001

By	NotATameLion (Michigan) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

I have to agree with the reviewer of August 7, 2001's enthusiasm for this book. I first read "Answering God: The Psalms As Tools for Prayer" when I checked it out of a local library. The book so moved and changed me that I had to stop midway, turn the book back in at the library, and order a copy.

"Answering God" is the kind of book that helps the reader open doors that have always be locked to them. In my case, it has revolutionized the way I pray while giving the Psalms greater meaning to me.

It is a small book of great depth. It looks at the Psalms--warts and all. It digs deep into the topics it discusses. It looks at the basic questions of what a Psalm consists of. It then teaches what prayer is and how it affects those who pray. It follows this by teaching the reader how to pray the Psalms.

This book is full of practical advice and direction. Eugene Peterson is the perfect person to write this book. He is an expert in the field of prayer...not because of any degree he holds but because he is a deep person of prayer (this will be crystal clear to anyone who reads the book). Peterson is a trusted guide for the sometimes unforgiving terrain of the Psalms.

I give "Answering God" my most heartfelt recommendation. I urge you to get a copy today.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New Insights on Prayer and the Psalms, August 7, 2001

By	GA Williams (Santa Clara, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I just placed an order for six more copies of this book to give to friends and family ... and that's only a start. Am I new to the Bible? Not hardly. I'm one of those "veteran" Christians who has been active in church and other ministries all my life. Even so, "Answering God" introduced me to the Psalms in a way I've never before experienced. I'm excited about using the Psalms to help me develop a deeper, richer prayer life. As Peterson writes: "Prayers are tools for being and becoming ... The Psalms come from a people who hear God speak to them and realize that it is the most important word they will ever hear spoken. They decide to respond." So have I.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars You'll never read the paslams the same again, June 22, 2000

By	Michael Christensen (Scottsdale, Arizona) - See all my reviews

Peterson delves into the literary components of the Psalms to bring out the passion and the purpose of the Psalms in community and individual life. His love for Psalms and the reality of its content further illuminates the power behind the emotion, the praise, and the faith of Israel's musicians and priests. Peterson writes with such a great command of language (both English and Hebrew) that his writing can leave you wondering if you caught what he is saying. It reminded me of reading a CS Lewis book. I always feel like I'm missing the nuances of what he is saying but am awed at how he puts it into words.

This is a tremendous book if you want to begin to read the Psalms with the passion of King David and want to infuse your spiritual life with a more complete understanding of who God is and how we communicate with Him.