Favorite Psalms: Growing Closer to God

by John R.W. Stott

Offers insight into thirty-eight chapters of Psalms, offering insight and practical applications that address their backgrounds and themes. Original.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Biblical Studies, Devotional

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

John R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."

Reviews

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

He focuses on about 40 of the Psalms. Each treatment is rather brief, but he packs good insights in most every time. This is classic Stott -- theologically rich, practically oriented, concise, clearly written. This is a must have for any study of teh Psalms. It often has been my favorite work on certain psalms. I use Derek Kidner (Tyndale set) for dependable reference. Boice is often very helpful though uneven and sometimes irrelevent (a tad less Christocentric than you'd hope); James Mays (Interpretation series) is wordy and often too critical of the text, but often original; CS. Lewis -- spotty but often wonderful; Joseph Addison Alexander -- long, dry, dated, but very learned and theological; Eugene Peterson's Answering God -- nota commentary, but wonderful inisghts. If I had just two, I'd pick Kidner and Stott.

[Meggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Stott’s reflections and commentary on the most well-known Psalms makes for great devotional reading. Each Psalm was broken down into sections and headings with thoughts for each, like a mini-sermon. I enjoyed the simple insights into the message of the Psalms.

My copy of this book was strange and at times poorly edited, but included some lovely photographs of the Holy Lands. The scripture is printed right in the book but was somewhat difficult to read with a strange, small font. There were a few editing errors in scripture references.

[Scott Tsao · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Stott's favorite psalms include 37 selected psalms for devotional reading. I used it along with the One Year Book of Psalms by William J. Petersen and Randy Petersen for my personal daily devotion throughout the Psalms. With strong emphasis on the historical setting of each of those psalms, Stott interweaves colorful pictures of the promised land suitable for each psalm to induce deeper impression. Each psalm starts with a concise summary followed by sections of Stott's commentary, and both the entire psalm and the individual sections are provided with a short title appropriate for its content. The commentary includes cross references to other Scriptural verses that prove to be helpful for meditation and reflection by the reader.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely give 5 stars to a book; only if it is truly outstanding in every way. This book fits that description. Lovely choice of Psalms and inspiring commentary. Incredibly beautiful photographs that bring ancient Israel to life. My goal is to memorize all the lovely Psalms that John Stott has chosen here. I challenge you to do the same :)

I borrowed this book from my church library in Burnaby, BC. However, I see that there are numerous, inexpensive, used copies on amazon.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slight as well as slim. Stott’s restrained, almost dry, but equally heartfelt prose is always a nice read, but there wasn’t quite enough here. As a collection of exegetical thoughts, largely unobjectionable and sometimes very nicely put, but I would have liked more devotional warmth and Christological insight.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daily devotional with short commentary about 37 of Stott's favorite psalms.