Psalms: A Spiritual Commentary

by M. Basil Pennington, Phillip Ratner (Illustrator)

Let the Psalms help you forge a deeper connection to the Divine. Showing how the Psalms give profound and candid expression to both our highest aspirations and our deepest pain, the late, highly respected Cistercian Abbot M. Basil Pennington shares his reflections on some of the most beloved passages from the Bible’s most widely read book. In this companion volume to The Song of A Spiritual Commentary , Pennington is once again joined by Jewish artist Phillip Ratner, whose evocative works will lead you into more meaningful contemplation of the inner spirit of the Psalms. Pennington describes how the monastic tradition of regular reflection on the Psalms―a technique St. Benedict called the “work of God,” or Opus Dei―can help you transform your everyday life into a powerful life of prayer. Enriched by Jewish and Christian faith, the drawings and meditations speak to every person wanting both to connect with their most human longings and to forge a vital connection with the Divine.

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Dom M. Basil Pennington O.C.S.O. (1931–2005) was a Trappist monk and priest. He was a leading Roman Catholic spiritual writer, speaker, teacher, and director.

Pennington was an alumnus of the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas Angelicum where he obtained a licentiate in Theology in 1959.[1] He also earned a licentiate in Canon Law at the Pontifical Gregorian University. Pennington became known internationally as one of the major proponents of the Centering Prayer movement begun at St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts, during the 1970s.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely collection of 22 psalms translated by the Cistercian Abbot M. Basil Penningon. There is a short uplifting commentary for each psalm. An inspiring book to use for personal meditation or group study.

[Amylou314 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this along with the Psalms this month. It had some devotional thoughts on a few Psalms. I appreciated the insights.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Psalm 42, "As the hart longs for flowing water, so my soul longs for you, Oh God. My soul thirst for God, for the living God; when shall I drink in the Presence of God?" is accompanied with by an eloquent illustration of a stag or deer by Phillip Ratner.