And I Will Praise Him: A Guide to Worship in the Psalms

by Ronald B. Allen

Examines the origin of the Psalms, the language they use, the comfort they bring, and the faith they inspire. Includes interactive study questions for each chapter.

Genres: Textbooks, Theology

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 1999

Reviews

[Nick Gaviria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book expecting something more academic and technical, but And I Will Praise Him surprised me in a good way. Instead of just analyzing the Psalms, Ronald B. Allen invites the reader to actually experience them as they were meant to be used, which is in worship. The book gently pushes back on how easily praise can become routine or shallow and calls us to rediscover the Psalms as a living guide for worship.

Allen does a great job showing how the Psalms capture the full range of human emotion like joy, confidence, doubt, sorrow, and hope and direct it toward God. His discussion of lament, especially Psalm 13, stood out to me. It helped me see that struggling, questioning, and praising God are not opposites. Even when God feels far away, praise still has a place because it’s rooted in who God is, not just how life feels.

Overall, this book refreshed my view of worship and challenged me not to let praise grow dull or passive. And I Will Praise Him is thoughtful, accessible, and deeply encouraging and is a reminder that praise is not just something we do in good seasons, but a central and ongoing response to a faithful God.

[Byron Fike · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I do believe everything in psalms eventually leads to praise, I was disappointed the author did not spend more time on the value of lament since that type of psalm is represented in the Psalter more than any other. It appeared that the value of lament was rather hurried over to get to praise, something the lament psalms simply will not allow one to do. In spite of my reservations, I gave the book four stars because it truly brings out the value of praise in the Psalms and is a well written reminder to praise the Lord even in the worst of times. The next to last chapter is a personal story from the author concerning his baby daughter's battle with leukemia. That testimony wonderfully illustrated the author's experience of leading joyful praise in community that comes when God delivers one from near certain devastation.

[Faith Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A life lived without the praise of God is not really a life worth living. We were created, purposed, redeemed, and blessed ‘to the praise of His glory.’ Our chief end as Spirit-led believers in the Lord Jesus Christ is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. It is only by a life of praise that we may respond properly to our always faithful God.” (Pg. 243)

[Karina Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evergreen content from a man who adores the Psalms. Fun to read it and hear Dr. Allen’s voice in my head - it’s written exactly how he talks :)

[Michelle Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needed this book. Revitalized my idea of praise, and really challenged me. Thankfully I will never read the psalms the same way again.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this early for a class this fall...now I'm so excited to take the class I can hardly wait! I'm already learning a lot.

[Sarah]

Same prof at DTS... a great man