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Praying the Psalms: Drawing Near to the Heart of God
Learn to speak the language of God’s own heart.Have you ever tried to pour out your deepest feelings to God, only to discover that you can’t find the words? We want to feel connected to God, but sometimes it seems like we’re not speaking the same language.There is no better place in all of Scripture than Psalms to learn to be with God. Praying the Psalms includes 50 selections from this book—songs of praise, cries for help, glad rejoicings, and humble offerings—accompanied by inspirational devotions that will open a divine window in your prayer life.Adapted from God’s Prayer Book; now in a deluxe LeatherLike binding.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2017
28 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Ben Patterson
246 books10 followersBen Patterson is campus pastor at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. He has served churches in New Jersey and California and was dean of the chapel at Hope College in Michigan before going to Westmont College. He is the author of Deepening Your Conversation with God and is a back-page columnist for Leadership Journal and a contributor to Christianity Today.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 16, 2017
In the introduction to Praying the Psalms, Ben Patterson tells us that this book is a beginner's guide to praying the psalms. Patterson adds that his goal is not to tell you what to pray but to "stir your heart and imagination to lead you into prayer."
Many have said the Psalms are a mirror that will reveal you, but Patterson also believes that as you read them and pray them, they will change you. The Psalms share a whole lot of emotions that we feel each day from praise and thanksgiving to cries for help, there is a psalm that will fit your situation.
I have found several days of praying the psalms has often left me feeling closer to God. This book could be used start to finish as a daily devotional or you could just pray a psalm as you feel the need. Either way, this book offers another way to use the Scriptures to get closer to God. This beautiful edition of Praying the Psalms with its leather cover would also make a lovely gift for someone on a special occasion or going through challenging life circumstances.
I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for this book.
Many have said the Psalms are a mirror that will reveal you, but Patterson also believes that as you read them and pray them, they will change you. The Psalms share a whole lot of emotions that we feel each day from praise and thanksgiving to cries for help, there is a psalm that will fit your situation.
I have found several days of praying the psalms has often left me feeling closer to God. This book could be used start to finish as a daily devotional or you could just pray a psalm as you feel the need. Either way, this book offers another way to use the Scriptures to get closer to God. This beautiful edition of Praying the Psalms with its leather cover would also make a lovely gift for someone on a special occasion or going through challenging life circumstances.
I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for this book.
November 29, 2023
Guide to some Psalms
This has been a good and thought-provoking devotional. Ben Johnson uses many of the psalms and not all of its verses to get me to think and feel. Highly recommend
This has been a good and thought-provoking devotional. Ben Johnson uses many of the psalms and not all of its verses to get me to think and feel. Highly recommend
October 7, 2024
Been using this, to assist me with my prayers, these last few weeks. Since, I have always loved the Psalms, and this book made it easier for me to use them as a prayer form.
Any Christian, from any denomination can use it, as I am catholic and have no issue with it.
Any Christian, from any denomination can use it, as I am catholic and have no issue with it.
March 13, 2017
Praying the Psalms is a little book that draws little nuggets of encouragement from each of the Psalms. These nuggets are then used to aid on how to pray. Sometimes this means that an attribute of God is highlighted. Sometimes it is letting God know how defeated we are or emotionally void.
Throughout the book the premise is that God is near even when He feels far away. During the valleys and up on the peaks, God is there. The Psalms give tribute to this and Patterson takes these truths and highlights them for the reader to absorb into their lives.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Throughout the book the premise is that God is near even when He feels far away. During the valleys and up on the peaks, God is there. The Psalms give tribute to this and Patterson takes these truths and highlights them for the reader to absorb into their lives.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
March 1, 2017
As I read Tyndale’s description of Praying the Psalms I knew I wanted to read the book. The Psalms have always touched my heart, and I looked forward to walking through a selection of these treasures with author Ben Patterson. My copy arrived, and with its handy size and leather-like binding, I knew this would become a favorite.
Praying the Psalms uses the New Living Translation of Scripture with its flowing and easy-to-read wording. Each chapter includes the text of the Psalm followed by Patterson’s commentary coupled with snapshots of key verses and suggestions for prayer and meditation. In the case of lengthy Psalm 119 a subset of verses is provided.
The book can be read as a daily devotional, or the convenient topical index can lead the reader to an appropriate Psalm for a specific need. Praying the Psalms is printed in a font suitable for eyes of all ages. With its wide margins and blank end pages the reader can personalize his copy.
Praying the Psalms is not an overly-sweet devotional with happy people in happy land. The author chose a wide variety of Psalms written by real people ready to praise, worship, pour out the anguish in their hearts, or cry for help. As I considered the words chosen by these writers and felt the realism of their prayers, I realized I need serious improvement in my own prayer life. God will not be shocked by the raw emotions of whatever I share.
Praying the Psalms was adapted from Patterson’s larger book, God’s Prayer Book, so if your library includes that volume expect repeated material with the new book.
One item missing from the book is a table of contents which would help those using the work as a commentary or reference. I created a simple table of contents sized to tape inside the front cover. Readers can retrieve the PDF of that file from my web site nicholsnotes.com.
Note - Tyndale House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of Praying the Psalms to facilitate my review.
Praying the Psalms uses the New Living Translation of Scripture with its flowing and easy-to-read wording. Each chapter includes the text of the Psalm followed by Patterson’s commentary coupled with snapshots of key verses and suggestions for prayer and meditation. In the case of lengthy Psalm 119 a subset of verses is provided.
The book can be read as a daily devotional, or the convenient topical index can lead the reader to an appropriate Psalm for a specific need. Praying the Psalms is printed in a font suitable for eyes of all ages. With its wide margins and blank end pages the reader can personalize his copy.
Praying the Psalms is not an overly-sweet devotional with happy people in happy land. The author chose a wide variety of Psalms written by real people ready to praise, worship, pour out the anguish in their hearts, or cry for help. As I considered the words chosen by these writers and felt the realism of their prayers, I realized I need serious improvement in my own prayer life. God will not be shocked by the raw emotions of whatever I share.
Praying the Psalms was adapted from Patterson’s larger book, God’s Prayer Book, so if your library includes that volume expect repeated material with the new book.
One item missing from the book is a table of contents which would help those using the work as a commentary or reference. I created a simple table of contents sized to tape inside the front cover. Readers can retrieve the PDF of that file from my web site nicholsnotes.com.
Note - Tyndale House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of Praying the Psalms to facilitate my review.
February 19, 2017
Praying the Psalms is adapted from Ben Patterson's God's Prayer Book and though I've not read that one, I've heard great things. I was looking forward to Praying the Psalms with the intention of diving deeper into the meaning of the Psalms and in turn be a tool towards my prayer life. In the introduction, the author already stated that this is a "beginner's guide in learning to pray the Psalms." His aim "is not to tell you what to pray, but rather to say just enough about each psalm to stir your heart and imagination to lead you into prayer." With that, I continue on.
Psalms is the book of prayers in the Bible. The eloquence and insight in each psalm is the very reason I want to study Psalms, yet many times, I feel that I don't understand it as well as I should. Praying the Psalms is not a commentary, nor is it a reference guide. Praying the Psalms contains a selection of 50 Psalms where the author shares the whole or selected verses of the psalm first, then breaks it down by key passages. From there, he shares with us his devotional thoughts and reflections. In truth, I do find it useful as there are some background to the verses, and understanding on how the psalm acts as a prayer and how to lead us into prayers of our own. I specifically like the end where there is a "Psalm for a specific need," which would be a great source.
As a pocket guide, the lovely leatherlike cover and pocket size makes it ideal to carry around and to reflect on when the need arise. Though I do wish it include all the psalms, but I understand that it negates the purpose of a pocket resource if it gets too big. It is a good source, and I look forward to diving in more after this review.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
Psalms is the book of prayers in the Bible. The eloquence and insight in each psalm is the very reason I want to study Psalms, yet many times, I feel that I don't understand it as well as I should. Praying the Psalms is not a commentary, nor is it a reference guide. Praying the Psalms contains a selection of 50 Psalms where the author shares the whole or selected verses of the psalm first, then breaks it down by key passages. From there, he shares with us his devotional thoughts and reflections. In truth, I do find it useful as there are some background to the verses, and understanding on how the psalm acts as a prayer and how to lead us into prayers of our own. I specifically like the end where there is a "Psalm for a specific need," which would be a great source.
As a pocket guide, the lovely leatherlike cover and pocket size makes it ideal to carry around and to reflect on when the need arise. Though I do wish it include all the psalms, but I understand that it negates the purpose of a pocket resource if it gets too big. It is a good source, and I look forward to diving in more after this review.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
February 22, 2017
First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, PRAYING THE PSALMS: DRAWING NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD is a beautifully done book that both my pastor/husband and my daughter automatically fell in love with and both want it. (Christmas or birthday gift idea.)
PRAYING THE PSALMS is a beginner's guide to praying the Psalms, in the author's own words. He gives us the scripture passages, explains them and gives us suggestions on how to pray the verses in your own life or in the life of a loved one. More experienced prayer warriors (who are used to praying the scriptures) might not find this book beneficial, but those who are just getting into it, trying to become a prayer warrior, or hearing the benefits of praying scriptures will find it helpful. Not only that, but it is a beautiful book.
It includes endnotes, a list of Psalms for specific topics, and an expository the Psalms. The author is a minister, and in some cases does go deep, but this is good. This book would be a lovely gift for yourself or a loved one, or anyone who gets comfort from reading the Psalms.
PRAYING THE PSALMS is a beginner's guide to praying the Psalms, in the author's own words. He gives us the scripture passages, explains them and gives us suggestions on how to pray the verses in your own life or in the life of a loved one. More experienced prayer warriors (who are used to praying the scriptures) might not find this book beneficial, but those who are just getting into it, trying to become a prayer warrior, or hearing the benefits of praying scriptures will find it helpful. Not only that, but it is a beautiful book.
It includes endnotes, a list of Psalms for specific topics, and an expository the Psalms. The author is a minister, and in some cases does go deep, but this is good. This book would be a lovely gift for yourself or a loved one, or anyone who gets comfort from reading the Psalms.
April 24, 2017
Though I have read through the Bible a few times, Psalms is a book I tended to slog through. It was only slightly more interesting to me than Numbers, and I simply could not understand why so many people loved to quote it. Praying the Psalms seemed like a chance to figure out why others found this book of the Bible so moving.
I have to say that this little book managed to give me a new perspective on the Psalms. It allowed me to take my time, reading each one individually and to really appreciated what the original writers were saying. Instead of rushing through multiple chapters in one day, I lingered on each and compared them to my own heart cry.
Each of the Psalms included is followed by the author's take on the subject matter, along with a breakdown of some of the more important verses. Though I appreciated Patterson's perspective, I did not agree with all of his conclusions. Some did not seem to correlate as well with the scripture as did others.
I really liked the size of this book. As someone who travels for work, Praying the Psalms was compact enough to bring along in my bag, with short enough chapters that I was able to read it on days when all I wanted was to collapse in bed and never get up. I would definitely recommend it as a gift for family members who struggle to get through longer devotionals and I plan to reread it myself.
I have provided an honest review after having received a copy from the publisher.
I have to say that this little book managed to give me a new perspective on the Psalms. It allowed me to take my time, reading each one individually and to really appreciated what the original writers were saying. Instead of rushing through multiple chapters in one day, I lingered on each and compared them to my own heart cry.
Each of the Psalms included is followed by the author's take on the subject matter, along with a breakdown of some of the more important verses. Though I appreciated Patterson's perspective, I did not agree with all of his conclusions. Some did not seem to correlate as well with the scripture as did others.
I really liked the size of this book. As someone who travels for work, Praying the Psalms was compact enough to bring along in my bag, with short enough chapters that I was able to read it on days when all I wanted was to collapse in bed and never get up. I would definitely recommend it as a gift for family members who struggle to get through longer devotionals and I plan to reread it myself.
I have provided an honest review after having received a copy from the publisher.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews