ESV Devotional Psalter

by Dane C. Ortlund

The Psalms are the only extended portion of Scripture written to God--they are prayers. As such, the Psalms are uniquely suited to foster communication with God, which is the purpose of this edition. The ESV Devotional Psalter pairs each of the 150 psalms with brand-new devotional content written by Dr. Dane Ortlund, guiding readers to thoughtfully interact with and pray through the Scriptures. Thick, opaque, cream-colored paper and wide margins allow for note taking and written prayers, inviting readers to reflect on the riches of each text.

Features:


5.25" x 7.75" 11 pt, Bembo 464 pages Single column, paragraph format Ribbon marker Book introduction Thick, opaque, cream-colored paper 2-color printing Packaging: Slipcase

Genres: Devotional, Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Theology, Faith, Christianity

464 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2017

About the author

Dane C. Ortlund (PhD, Wheaton College) is chief publishing officer and Bible publisher at Crossway. He serves as an editor for the Knowing the Bible series and the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, and is the author of several books, including Gentle and Lowly and Edwards on the Christian Life. He is an elder at Naperville Presbyterian Church in Naperville, Illinois. Dane lives with his wife, Stacey, and their five children in Wheaton, Illinois.

Reviews

[Cindy Rollins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great companion through some hard times this year. It was a gift from a friend perfectly timed.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Lord I Take Refuge by Dane Ortlund: 150 Daily Devotions through the Psalms
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Last year, I read Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund and it instantly became a book I couldn’t stop thinking about or recommending. So when I saw that he had a new devotional coming out, and on the Psalms (!) I couldn’t wait to dive in. Here’s what you should know about this book:
1. It contains the whole text of the book of Psalms, with a short (roughly 1 page per psalm) devotional following each chapter. I LOVE when a book contains the full text of the Scripture it is referring to.
2. It is good to remember that this is *not* Gentle and Lowly. In that, Ortlund basically wrote a whole book meditating on a single passage. In this devotional format, he gives a brief thought for even the longest psalms.
3. I found this to be conducive to further self study of the Psalms. The author’s insights made me want to go back and reread the passage and chew on it longer.
All in all, I would not hesitate for a moment to recommend In the Lord I Take Refuge if you’re looking for a new devotional or wanting to spend some time in the Psalms. I’m so glad I got to read this. The hardcover copy is also gorgeous, so this would make a great gift!
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In the Lord I Take Refuge releases on July 27.
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Thank you Crossway Books for the privilege of reading an advanced copy via Netgalley.

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and sweet devotions on the Psalms.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Crossway and Netgalley for the early digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is an updated edition of Crossway’s ESV Devotional Psalter!
I am of the mindset that relying on a devotional, someone else’s commentary on scripture, shouldn’t replace one’s own careful reading and study of the Bible. However, books like this can be a helpful source of encouragement and provide clarification for the interpretations we come to. Each of the psalms is reproduced in the text, followed by Ortlund’s brief reflection on the content of the psalm. I think overall this devotional psalter makes for a solid companion to one’s reading through the psalms. Ortlund offers some helpful explanations about the individual psalm and raises questions to the reader for further contemplation and application. These reflections are meant to be digested quickly (only taking a few minutes to read) and as such, aren’t quite a complex deep-dive into context or analysis of the original Hebrew if that is what you’re looking for, but I don’t think that’s the purpose and that’s fine!

I’ve been trying to pray through the psalms each day using Donald Whitney’s method in Praying the Bible, and I found myself referencing Ortlund’s short reflections beforehand, especially for particular psalms that I initially thought were more straightforward or shorter psalms I was tempted to gloss over. I think on more than one occasion, Ortlund pointed something out I hadn’t thought of before, expanding my understanding of the potential intent behind the psalm, highlighting another aspect of God in the verses I may not have seen!

Thoughts on format: this is a book that probably works much better in physical print rather than as an ebook! There were some issues with the digital copy I received (missing headings for many of the psalm numbers, lack of table of contents which made referencing specific psalms difficult), but hopefully these were corrected in the final edition. The hardcover edition looks great!

[Sharon Weinschreider · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely devotional focused on seeing Jesus Christ and God’s plan of redemption in the Psalms. It felt repetitive at times and I wish each day closed with a prayer.

Update: I re-read this in the summer of 2024. This is a great devotional book! I'm giving it 4 stars this time with the same reservations. Nearly every day I wished for one more sentence or brief prayer to conclude the devotional. His interpretation/applications felt repetitive to me. Very occasionally, I wondered if we were reading the same Psalm (Psalm 100).

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a devotional through each psalm. The author gives the text of the psalm followed by a brief devotional on the psalm. Easy to read and very well written this is an ideal morning devotional to use along side daily Bible reading. Very well done.

[Kyle Brewer]

Beautiful devotional reflections on the Psalms. The Lord was kind to lead me to this book at a time when I especially needed the reminder that he is my refuge and strength.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve loved reading a Psalm most days this year - they’ve been late-night friends and early-morning foundations. The rhythm of them has felt like a healthy diet of devotion, and it’s unmistakeable how they burst with noisy praise by the end. A cadence of joy.

Though don’t be mistaken - this is no ‘Gently and Lowly’. Dane Ortlund’s reflections are a bit hit-and-miss, and often hone in on a slightly niche element of the psalm. He always, ALWAYS lands with Jesus, too, which I suppose is theologically correct but actually ended up feeling a bit mechanical.

[Claire Stanovich]

A few years ago, I read the Psalms, rewriting them as my prayers in the margins of my bible. It really was a refuge. & another journey through was just that because the Psalms read less like a story and more like a walking journey along with the author. I love how Ortlund continually pointed each Psalm back to the fulfillment of the promise, Jesus. 85 & 131 rocked my world.

"I do not occupy myself with things / too great & too marvelous for me. / But I have calmed and quieted my soul," (Psalm 131)(365).

[David J. Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep and accessible. As a hospice chaplain this is one devotional that some of my patients love to hear read out loud. Lots of great exegetical insights from the text plus warm application make this a worthy read.

[Bess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short Devotions on The Psalms. Each Psalm is included in the book followed by a short synopsis of the Psalm. Great for a quick devotional or can be used as a supplemental tool if doing a deeper study on The Psalms, which is what l was using it for and was also for memory work on my own. Dane Ortland has a gift for saying a lot in a few words. I still reference the devotional from time to time because l want to stay familiar with what l have learned as l was studying the book.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best devotionals I have read. It was a great companion reading it along with the Summer Bible Reading Challenge this year as the Psalms were included in the reading schedule.

[Taylor Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would absolutely recommend this devotional to every believer! The Psalms in themselves are one of my favorite parts of Scripture— the place I usually run for comfort. And Dane Ortlund does an incredible job of briefly teaching and encouraging through a devotional at the end of each Psalm. I’ve really enjoyed reading a Psalm & devotional most evenings before bed, and this book will always be in my devotional rotation.

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the Christo-centric reading of the psalms in these devotions. It encouraged my heart to love Jesus.

[Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book as an additional supplement for reading through the Psalms. I enjoyed reading this every night very much.

[Arielle Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this— probably one of my favorite daily devotional books. every single one packed with Gospel truth. There’s not a single thing Dane has written that I haven’t treasured!!

[Caroline Parkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this devotional. I found it helpful to read this first in the morning to get my head in the right space for my Bible reading. Ortlund had many helpful insights, and I love how he found the gospel in pretty much every psalm. Definitely recommend this one.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dane C. Ortlund again produces a fabulous text to draw the reader closer to God. The entire text of the Psalms is contained within this book in the ESV translation. Following each psalm is a short devotion that enhances the understanding of the Scripture. There are quotes from prominent Christian leaders throughout history and many cross references to both the Old and New Testaments. I adored the focus on seeing Jesus in so many of these psalms and the constant reassurance that He is the Savior hoped for and foretold in many passages.

I wanted to savor this over 30 days, but finished in 24. I could not stop reading it many mornings. I will always point out when pronouns for God are not capitalized, but this is absolutely a five-star read that I recommend.

Format: Physical Book, owned
Rating: 5 stars
Book 33 of 2024

[Kelly Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a Psalm a day, every day. After the 150th Psalm, I begin Psalm 1 again. I whole heartedly recommend reading the Psalms in this way.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where can I go to hide in Christ when I need help in this world? In In The Lord I Take Refuge, Dane Ortlund takes us through 150 daily devotions through the Psalms.

Uplifting and Encouraging

Using the English Standard Version, the full text of each Psalm is presented before Ortlund’s devotions. The meditations are short, only about 2-3 paragraphs, but they are perfectly uplifting and encouraging. His insight into the mind and heart of God is remarkable. This book is an instant classic and one you will want to read every day.

Ortlund captures the context and main points of the Psalms in just a few sentences, and he is able to consistently point us to Christ. To be sure, this book is not a commentary. But what it does is draw you closer to the text and keep you in communion with God. His words will help you find fellowship with the Father.

Hills and Valleys

The full range of emotions and feelings in the Psalms are embraced. In Psalm 75, Ortlund is not shy to talk about God as judge. In Psalm 62, Ortlund shows us the hope and safety we have in Christ.

This book would be fitting to read during your morning devotions, at home with your family in the evenings, or throughout the day to keep you connected with the Lord. This book is a treasure of truths, walking with you throughout the hills and valleys of life.

Softened and Strengthened

As I read each devotion, I found my heart to be simultaneously softened and strengthened. This book helped me see my own heart and showed me more of God’s. You will find the Father to be your refuge and strength. By the Spirit's power, we stand on Christ. He is our solid rock. He is an ever-present help.

I received my review copy from Westminster Bookstore. As a not-for-profit ministry of Westminster Theological Seminary, their mission is to distribute biblically rich, theologically robust, and pastorally relevant books to God’s people. I encourage you to visit their website and support their work!

I received a media copy of In The Lord I Take Refuge and this is my honest review.

[Noah Hosking · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 - I wouldn’t recommend this as your main devotional meal, but I would definitely recommend this as a gospel desert. This is because I think Ortlund over/under emphasises certain parts of the psalm. It doesn’t lend to teaching great exegesis. That being said, it is clearly not his goal to teach the main point of the psalm or even address a single weed. His goal is to exposit a facet of the gospel in every psalm. And when he does, he serves it right up on a silver platter, delicious. You can see how he ended up writing gentle and lowly. What a guy.

[treylovesbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The content of this book was fantastic. Devotionals for every Psalm, connecting each and every one to our hope in Jesus? Sign me up!

As it turns out I’m just not that much of a devotional guy (as you perhaps can tell by the fact that it took me 1.5 years to get through it). If you love devotionals and want to slowly work your way through the Psalms — I couldn’t recommend this book any higher.

[Maria Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful daily devotional with each one of the 150 Psalms written out with a little reflection afterwards. Ortlund did a great job of pointing readers to the Lord in each Psalm! I also appreciated the book’s concise yet profound ways of conveying deep truths about the Lord. As someone who usually strays away from devotionals, this one was redeeming to read and learn from. PTL for gospel centered devotionals!

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a PHENOMENAL study through the book of Psalms. I started this book a while ago, but devoted every morning of lent this year to reading it and enjoyed the Psalms more than I thought I had before. The God of the Psalms is merciful, gracious, near to the brokenhearted, will not ignore injustice or wickedness, is our refuge and shelter, knows the innermost highs and lows you experience - and He took on flesh and blood as Jesus to meet us where we are. Jesus is in every Psalm, and I loved that about this study. Could not recommend more.

[Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout the Old Testament God’s “steadfast love” is mentioned 196 times. In the Psalms it finds its highest concentration - 127 times. Like a crimson thread, it weaves its way through the whole narrative of God’s redemption of His people finding its fulfillment in the Cross of Christ.
In this devotional Dane Ortlund continually points the reader to Christ - His love and compassion for the weary, the heavy-laden, the down-trodden and oppressed, the persecuted and disheartened. This book is richly rewarding - like reading the Psalms with new eyes.

[Ruth Castle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do yourself a favor and pick up this devotional. I love that it contains the full text of the Psalms. It’s been a helpful companion for the last few months and has really helped shape my prayers when I’ve been at a loss for words.

[Laura Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this when I was pregnant with Jacob and read aloud a Pslam to him (us) starting when he was in utero and finished today, a few days after he turned 6 months old! It was our early morning time together. A fun memory for me. Anyway, the devotional was great, pointed me to Jesus daily.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful companion to the Psalms.

[Nate Jacques · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this is my favorite devotional yet. It’s straight scripture with a short commentary after each psalm. I think it’s super great to read with your spouse or family, as it’s short but packed with scripture.

[Cora Mabry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good devotional! So encouraging! Highly recommend!