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Speak, Lord: Hearing Psalms in the First Person
“I am your shepherd. You have no need of anything, because I am all you need.”Do you ever wish God would speak directly to you? The Psalms are filled with the heart cry of a man for his God. But they are also overflowing with the depths of God’s heart for you.In Speak, Lord, you will learn how to engage with the Psalms in a fresh, dynamic way—hearing them as though God were speaking directly to you. Vic Black, the National Prayer Director for The Navigators, shares his passion to ignite your personal relationship with God by teaching you to interpret the Psalms from God’s perspective. Each chapter provides a psalm rewritten in the first person, words of reflection, and writing prompts and devotional thoughts to encourage you on your own journey in engaging in the Psalms. As you enter into this collection of meditative devotions, you can be sure to hear words of rescue, encouragement, and hope deep in your soul.If you are hungry for more of God, he is ready to satisfy with new spiritual practices found in Speak, Lord.
- GenresChristian LivingPrayer
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2015
10 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 10, 2016
It took me a long time to read this because this isn't a "reading" book. It's a book that inspires thoughtful reflection as you read and engage with the Psalms. Each of the 19 chapters features a Psalm, first in the normal form and then rewritten as if God were speaking the words to you. And that's the key: that we're to listen to God's voice. Ideally you would then time to meditate and write your own version; I haven't done this yet, but I think it would be a wonderful way to study the Psalms in a small group setting.
The author's explanation of his thought process, and the way he brought in aspects from multiple translations - and even other areas of the Bible - also helped me to think about each Psalm more carefully, not just reading the words but noticing the literary (or song-writing) techniques used, and unpacking even those I typically do not linger over.
Everything here is about reading, contemplating, reworking, until you have something that's uniquely personalized for you and as different from the original as the Amplified is from the King James.
I first noticed it had affected me more than I knew when I found myself using the techniques taught here in another study, and realized that even without doing any of the writing I'm already discovering more of God's voice when I read Scripture. I'd like to rewrite one of the less-familiar Psalms as a personal retreat one day, and the writing prompts for each chapter will be a great palce to start.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The author's explanation of his thought process, and the way he brought in aspects from multiple translations - and even other areas of the Bible - also helped me to think about each Psalm more carefully, not just reading the words but noticing the literary (or song-writing) techniques used, and unpacking even those I typically do not linger over.
Everything here is about reading, contemplating, reworking, until you have something that's uniquely personalized for you and as different from the original as the Amplified is from the King James.
I first noticed it had affected me more than I knew when I found myself using the techniques taught here in another study, and realized that even without doing any of the writing I'm already discovering more of God's voice when I read Scripture. I'd like to rewrite one of the less-familiar Psalms as a personal retreat one day, and the writing prompts for each chapter will be a great palce to start.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2026
The concept of this book is to go through the Psalms and rewrite them as if from God’s perspective in the first person in order to give you more of a sense of God speaking directly to you. The author describes how he got started doing this and how it benefited him. Each of the 19 chapters features a psalm which is first printed as is (in various translations including amplified, NET, etc.), followed by the author’s imaginative rewrite from God’s perspective. He offers reflections on the elements that go into rewriting the psalms, as well as writing prompts and devotional thoughts.
Although Vic Black is very careful to make sure the reader understands that these imaginative rewrites are not the same as Scripture, I still felt kind of dubious about the concept even as a means to make God seem more real and interactive with me. It seems like a subjective element cannot help but creep in. Still, I enjoyed some of his reflections and found some value in thinking about God speaking directly to me through the psalms. At this point, I’m not planning to employ this writing exercise, however.
Although Vic Black is very careful to make sure the reader understands that these imaginative rewrites are not the same as Scripture, I still felt kind of dubious about the concept even as a means to make God seem more real and interactive with me. It seems like a subjective element cannot help but creep in. Still, I enjoyed some of his reflections and found some value in thinking about God speaking directly to me through the psalms. At this point, I’m not planning to employ this writing exercise, however.
July 3, 2015
First Person, Singular
I’ve spent the past six months either reading in or teaching from the psalms, but Vic Black has introduced an approach to the psalms that is not only new but also energizing, providing a richer, deeper taste of God’s presence in His Words. Vic’s book, Speak, Lord begs the question: “Why haven’t I thought of this before?”
Vic Black, National Prayer Director for the Navigators, invites his readers to hear the psalms in the first person, with God as the speaker and the believer as a much-beloved listener. In the foreword, Eugene Peterson ties this concept to God’s dealings with Moses in the Old Testament. The name that God spoke from the burning bush revealed God as both present and personal: “YHWH — I AM THAT I AM.” Jesus spoke with this same personal, first-person voice, self-identifying as “I AM” seven times in John’s Gospel.
Therefore, listening for God’s voice in the psalms, hearing His Words in first person, is more than just re-writing Scripture. It is an affirmation of the intimate relationship to be enjoyed between God and His child. Personalizing the psalms is a meditative exercise which is, at the same time, a roll-up-your-sleeves, haul- out-multiple-Bible-translations, and-dig-for-truth project.
Vic recommends a journaling approach, pondering the question, “Lord, what might it sound like if You spoke this psalm to me personally?” This involves trusting the Holy Spirit to bring other Scriptures to mind that will shed light on the current psalm. By focusing on one psalm for an entire week, I was able to wait, to listen, and to soak in that one psalm’s truth.
Speak, Lord examines over twenty psalms, providing the full text to begin the process, then analyzing the chapter for the theme and most important thoughts. Vic Black’s first-person expression of each psalm follows and then a reflection which captures additional insights that occurred to Vic in his study and meditation. Each chapter leaves the door wide open for reader input with prompts and tips for journaling the psalm in first person.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom . . .,” said Paul, meaning the inspired Scriptures, the word of revelation Christ brought into the world. Speak, Lord is an invitation to this abundant, extravagant saturation, a guide to slowing down and allowing God to speak for Himself through his Word.
This book was provided by NavPress in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I’ve spent the past six months either reading in or teaching from the psalms, but Vic Black has introduced an approach to the psalms that is not only new but also energizing, providing a richer, deeper taste of God’s presence in His Words. Vic’s book, Speak, Lord begs the question: “Why haven’t I thought of this before?”
Vic Black, National Prayer Director for the Navigators, invites his readers to hear the psalms in the first person, with God as the speaker and the believer as a much-beloved listener. In the foreword, Eugene Peterson ties this concept to God’s dealings with Moses in the Old Testament. The name that God spoke from the burning bush revealed God as both present and personal: “YHWH — I AM THAT I AM.” Jesus spoke with this same personal, first-person voice, self-identifying as “I AM” seven times in John’s Gospel.
Therefore, listening for God’s voice in the psalms, hearing His Words in first person, is more than just re-writing Scripture. It is an affirmation of the intimate relationship to be enjoyed between God and His child. Personalizing the psalms is a meditative exercise which is, at the same time, a roll-up-your-sleeves, haul- out-multiple-Bible-translations, and-dig-for-truth project.
Vic recommends a journaling approach, pondering the question, “Lord, what might it sound like if You spoke this psalm to me personally?” This involves trusting the Holy Spirit to bring other Scriptures to mind that will shed light on the current psalm. By focusing on one psalm for an entire week, I was able to wait, to listen, and to soak in that one psalm’s truth.
Speak, Lord examines over twenty psalms, providing the full text to begin the process, then analyzing the chapter for the theme and most important thoughts. Vic Black’s first-person expression of each psalm follows and then a reflection which captures additional insights that occurred to Vic in his study and meditation. Each chapter leaves the door wide open for reader input with prompts and tips for journaling the psalm in first person.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom . . .,” said Paul, meaning the inspired Scriptures, the word of revelation Christ brought into the world. Speak, Lord is an invitation to this abundant, extravagant saturation, a guide to slowing down and allowing God to speak for Himself through his Word.
This book was provided by NavPress in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 24, 2015
““I am your shepherd. You have no need of anything, because I am all you need.”
Do you ever wish that God would speak directly to you? The Psalms are filled with the heart-cry of a man for his God. But they are also overflowing with the depths of God’s heart for you.
In Speak, Lord you will learn how to engage with the Psalms in a fresh, dynamic way - hearing them as though God were speaking directly to you. Vic Black, the National Prayer Director for The Navigators, shares his passion to ignite your personal relationship with God by teaching you to interpret the Psalms from God’s perspective.”
I’ll just come out and say it, I love this book. For many years, my mom would personalize the psalms as she read them to us. This made the Scriptures so very personal to us. This book takes that a step further. The author, Vic Black, asks you to read, study, ponder and reflect on each word – in several translations. And the pray and ask God to speak those words into your heart as He would say them directly to you.
This is not a book to read and put on the shelf. This is a book to read, read again, and then read once more. And then take out your pen and notebook and begin the work it suggests. You will definitely be blessed as I was. “Each chapter provides a psalm rewritten in the first-person, some words of reflection, and writing prompts and devotional thoughts to encourage you on your own journey in engaging with the Psalms.
As you enter into this collection of meditative devotions, you can be sure to hear words of rescue, encouragement, and hope deep in your soul.” I’ve read the Psalms many times, now I am hearing them. It is a true joy.
About the author: Vic Black is the National Prayer Director for The Navigators. He has been on staff with The Navigators for thirty-four years. Speak, Lord is his first book. He and his wife, Lindy, have three married children and eight grandchildren and live in Colorado Springs.
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publisher, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
Amazon, Christian Book, Deeper Shopping, Goodreads, and to be featured on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com
Do you ever wish that God would speak directly to you? The Psalms are filled with the heart-cry of a man for his God. But they are also overflowing with the depths of God’s heart for you.
In Speak, Lord you will learn how to engage with the Psalms in a fresh, dynamic way - hearing them as though God were speaking directly to you. Vic Black, the National Prayer Director for The Navigators, shares his passion to ignite your personal relationship with God by teaching you to interpret the Psalms from God’s perspective.”
I’ll just come out and say it, I love this book. For many years, my mom would personalize the psalms as she read them to us. This made the Scriptures so very personal to us. This book takes that a step further. The author, Vic Black, asks you to read, study, ponder and reflect on each word – in several translations. And the pray and ask God to speak those words into your heart as He would say them directly to you.
This is not a book to read and put on the shelf. This is a book to read, read again, and then read once more. And then take out your pen and notebook and begin the work it suggests. You will definitely be blessed as I was. “Each chapter provides a psalm rewritten in the first-person, some words of reflection, and writing prompts and devotional thoughts to encourage you on your own journey in engaging with the Psalms.
As you enter into this collection of meditative devotions, you can be sure to hear words of rescue, encouragement, and hope deep in your soul.” I’ve read the Psalms many times, now I am hearing them. It is a true joy.
About the author: Vic Black is the National Prayer Director for The Navigators. He has been on staff with The Navigators for thirty-four years. Speak, Lord is his first book. He and his wife, Lindy, have three married children and eight grandchildren and live in Colorado Springs.
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publisher, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
Amazon, Christian Book, Deeper Shopping, Goodreads, and to be featured on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com
September 17, 2015
Lord, what would it sound like if You spoke this psalm to me personally?
Speak Lord takes 19 different chapters of Psalms and redirects you to listen personally to the voice of God. This is not an attempt to re-write scripture which I am always wary about when reading a type of book like this. It keeps with the integrity of the word while opening your heart to God revealing himself to you. It is an encouragement for you to enjoy God and to expose you to how much God enjoys you.
The layout of each chapter starts with a Psalm has it is written in the word. Each chapter has a different bible version and the author encourages you to look at many versions to gleam more insight to the passage. The passage then is re-written in a first person perspective followed by a practice section with writing prompts followed by devotional thoughts for you to consider.
An example of one of my favorite one first person perspective.
I am Jehovah, the One who fights for you, I deliver you, I save you from your vicious enemies. I shine and you can see. I rescue and you are safe. Fear no one. Fear nothing. What would you compare to Me that is worthy of fear? …despite pending battle, put your confidence in Me. I hear your solitary heart cry. You do not lust for many things. You are hungering for Me! And I will satisfy your longing. I will meet your deepest need. I am pleased that you want to move into My House. …I said to you Seek My Face! You heart responded in My presence. Your face, O God I will seek! Even though you have known me tenderly, still you fear My face turning away. You fear My rejection. I will not abandon you. Quite the contrary I am your deliverer! I rescue! I break chains! I open prison doors.
I enjoyed my time with the Lord on this read and I think you will too!
A Special Thank You to Tyndale House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Speak Lord takes 19 different chapters of Psalms and redirects you to listen personally to the voice of God. This is not an attempt to re-write scripture which I am always wary about when reading a type of book like this. It keeps with the integrity of the word while opening your heart to God revealing himself to you. It is an encouragement for you to enjoy God and to expose you to how much God enjoys you.
The layout of each chapter starts with a Psalm has it is written in the word. Each chapter has a different bible version and the author encourages you to look at many versions to gleam more insight to the passage. The passage then is re-written in a first person perspective followed by a practice section with writing prompts followed by devotional thoughts for you to consider.
An example of one of my favorite one first person perspective.
I am Jehovah, the One who fights for you, I deliver you, I save you from your vicious enemies. I shine and you can see. I rescue and you are safe. Fear no one. Fear nothing. What would you compare to Me that is worthy of fear? …despite pending battle, put your confidence in Me. I hear your solitary heart cry. You do not lust for many things. You are hungering for Me! And I will satisfy your longing. I will meet your deepest need. I am pleased that you want to move into My House. …I said to you Seek My Face! You heart responded in My presence. Your face, O God I will seek! Even though you have known me tenderly, still you fear My face turning away. You fear My rejection. I will not abandon you. Quite the contrary I am your deliverer! I rescue! I break chains! I open prison doors.
I enjoyed my time with the Lord on this read and I think you will too!
A Special Thank You to Tyndale House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
August 1, 2015
To begin with, I am now not a big fan of devotional books, especially those that have a mixture of anecdotal accounts with theological accounts. But the strength of this book by Vic Black is that there are a lot of interactive features that invite the readers to experience the Psalms themselves. It is a 'to-do' book vs a 'to-read' book. As the author says:
"I would encourage you to live in one psalm for a period of time. The objective is not speed. I would not encourage you to try to do one psalm a day. Take a slower approach and stay in a psalm for a week or two...."
Each chapter of this book is divided into a few sections:
1) The psalm itself and a commentary by the author
2) The re-writing of the psalm based on the author's personal experience
3) A reflection section by the author
4) The Practice section broken into Writing Prompts and Devotional Thoughts for you to consider. This is the part where the readers are given various hints, tips and prompts to interact with the psalms.
"I would encourage you to live in one psalm for a period of time. The objective is not speed. I would not encourage you to try to do one psalm a day. Take a slower approach and stay in a psalm for a week or two...."
Each chapter of this book is divided into a few sections:
1) The psalm itself and a commentary by the author
2) The re-writing of the psalm based on the author's personal experience
3) A reflection section by the author
4) The Practice section broken into Writing Prompts and Devotional Thoughts for you to consider. This is the part where the readers are given various hints, tips and prompts to interact with the psalms.
October 7, 2015
Speak Lord by Vic Black is a book that provides the reader the opportunity to experience the Bible's Psalms personally. The author writes the Psalms so the reader can read/hear them in the First person narrative, making their message more direct and meaningful. The messages relayed in this book are strong, vibrant and motivational!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews