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Psalms for Trials: Meditations on Praying the Psalms
"I hope that as you start praying the Psalms, you will feel His presence in all the things that you do and you will feel His guidance through both storms and long periods of waiting. I hope that you will see God as your life and breath instead of as your religion."
The Psalms are among the most beautiful poems ever written, but sometimes they feel very far from us and our daily struggles and goals. In Psalms for Trials: Meditations on Praying the Psalms by Lindsey Tollefson, we see that the Psalms are not just pious words for the religious, but they are meant to be our prayers for every trial we face, just as they have been a comfort for generations of Christians before us, including King David and the Lord Jesus. The Psalms allow us to pour ourselves out in prayer to God and to receive the comfort that comes from the promises found in His Word.
This book includes forty-four bite-sized reflections on the Psalms, each ending with concrete recommendations on how to use the Psalms in your prayers and more importantly, how to live them out. After you have read this book, your prayers will never be the same again.
The Psalms are among the most beautiful poems ever written, but sometimes they feel very far from us and our daily struggles and goals. In Psalms for Trials: Meditations on Praying the Psalms by Lindsey Tollefson, we see that the Psalms are not just pious words for the religious, but they are meant to be our prayers for every trial we face, just as they have been a comfort for generations of Christians before us, including King David and the Lord Jesus. The Psalms allow us to pour ourselves out in prayer to God and to receive the comfort that comes from the promises found in His Word.
This book includes forty-four bite-sized reflections on the Psalms, each ending with concrete recommendations on how to use the Psalms in your prayers and more importantly, how to live them out. After you have read this book, your prayers will never be the same again.
232 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2018
110 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey Tollefson
1 book10 followersLindsey Tollefson is the wife of land surveyor and has three children. She is also the daughter of Peter J. Leithart, president of Theopolis Institute. Psalms for Trials: Meditations on Praying the Psalms is her first book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
January 24, 2021
This book is such a blessing. I keep it near my bedside table and flip thru different sections occasionally to re-up on the wonderful encouragement it contains. Grab a copy for yourself and 3 friends.
October 17, 2018
This is perhaps the book that has had the most powerful impact on my life ever. It got me praying again, and for that I will always be grateful. The book is gentle but has bite, and is demanding but also encouraging. I highly commend it to everybody in the world.
April 16, 2021
Do your soul a favor and read this once a year. Audiobook was great on 1.5 speed.
February 1, 2023
A beautiful solid book! Both frank and soothing.
It is really for everybody, no matter the nature/size/frequency/length of their sufferings.
It will make you appreciate the psalms more, desire to commit them to memory and pray them throughout the day.
Indeed, these beautiful prayers and poems are a strong foundation for comfort and hope, David and Jesus have relied on the in all their days, including their darkest ones.
The book is a blessing especially for (young) mothers, I found so much to relate to.
It is really for everybody, no matter the nature/size/frequency/length of their sufferings.
It will make you appreciate the psalms more, desire to commit them to memory and pray them throughout the day.
Indeed, these beautiful prayers and poems are a strong foundation for comfort and hope, David and Jesus have relied on the in all their days, including their darkest ones.
The book is a blessing especially for (young) mothers, I found so much to relate to.
May 7, 2020
A great read for anyone even if you aren't in the middle of a trial.
September 12, 2020
Immensely helpful and wise.
January 12, 2024
Excellent! I quite enjoyed my time reading through this book. I read it on Kindle but will be picking up a physical copy to keep on my bookshelf. It is a fountain of encouragement and wisdom for all believers in any stage.
I myself am waiting on God in the midst of a long trial. Tollefson writes,
“Even during the seasons of waiting, God gives us many small, delightful gifts. He gives us friends and good food and wine and books to bring joy to our hearts even while we walk through trials that seem endless. God doesn’t train us in longsuffering without also leaving lots of little gifts along the way.”
This book has been one of those delightful gifts along the way.
I myself am waiting on God in the midst of a long trial. Tollefson writes,
“Even during the seasons of waiting, God gives us many small, delightful gifts. He gives us friends and good food and wine and books to bring joy to our hearts even while we walk through trials that seem endless. God doesn’t train us in longsuffering without also leaving lots of little gifts along the way.”
This book has been one of those delightful gifts along the way.
February 21, 2025
Third time through. I think this will be a yearly book for me. What a blessing it is!
Second time through. This is the book that sits on my bedside stand, I listen too on audio and send to friends and family. I appreciated it even more this time around.
This book was a soothing balm for my soul. I listened on audio, but will be getting a hard copy to keep close and flip through often for encouragement.
Second time through. This is the book that sits on my bedside stand, I listen too on audio and send to friends and family. I appreciated it even more this time around.
This book was a soothing balm for my soul. I listened on audio, but will be getting a hard copy to keep close and flip through often for encouragement.
September 2, 2019
Beautiful reflections and application of the Psalms. The first chapters felt choppy to me, but I grew to appreciate the brevity and devotional feel of the book. I read this on Kindle but it’s definitely one I’d like to have as a hard copy on the shelf to re-read and loan to others.
July 23, 2020
Practical words for a practical, psalm-filled life.
This is a re-read every year sort of book.
This is a re-read every year sort of book.
June 17, 2020
So many wonderful reminders! I loved the gentle straightforwardness of this devotional book.
September 30, 2024
Some nuggets from 1st read 2024:
-If we are undisciplined with our thoughts, we will be undisciplined with our words.
-Praise pushes out fear.
-Psalm 103
-Look behind you at God's goodness and faithfulness and trust His goodness and faithfulness will continue as you move forward in faith.
-If we are undisciplined with our thoughts, we will be undisciplined with our words.
-Praise pushes out fear.
-Psalm 103
-Look behind you at God's goodness and faithfulness and trust His goodness and faithfulness will continue as you move forward in faith.
July 31, 2019
Stellar. Just what the doctor ordered. I listened rather quickly, so I need to go back through it again slowly to catch more, to wrestle more, to practice more.
The narrator wasn't terrible, but I don't think she was quite right for the book. Canon Press has drawn some strong male readers from their local community, but has recently looked elsewhere for female voices. I'm wondering if they might have more success closer to home.
The narrator wasn't terrible, but I don't think she was quite right for the book. Canon Press has drawn some strong male readers from their local community, but has recently looked elsewhere for female voices. I'm wondering if they might have more success closer to home.
May 25, 2023
On the back of this book a note from the author says “I hope that as you start praying the Psalms, you will feel His presence in all the things you do and you will feel His guidance through both storms and long periods of waiting. I hope that you will see God as your life and breath instead of just as your religion.”
This is exactly what this book is. Whether you’re brand new to seeing the psalms as prayers to pray or been doing so for 30 years, you will find encouragement and challenging devotionals in this book.
Sometimes reading books about trials while in a trial can be overwhelming and discouraging, but this book gives hope from scripture and gently shows you how to preach truth for yourself in an approachable way. Even in a mind-numb, hard to read season this book speaks richly, and I would recommend it to absolutely anyone.
This is exactly what this book is. Whether you’re brand new to seeing the psalms as prayers to pray or been doing so for 30 years, you will find encouragement and challenging devotionals in this book.
Sometimes reading books about trials while in a trial can be overwhelming and discouraging, but this book gives hope from scripture and gently shows you how to preach truth for yourself in an approachable way. Even in a mind-numb, hard to read season this book speaks richly, and I would recommend it to absolutely anyone.
July 14, 2022
Even though parts of this were written for wives and mothers (of which I am neither), this was one of the most helpful, comforting books while suffering that I’ve read. It was thorough, touching on so many aspects of trials. It was instructive while also being compassionate and understanding. I will definitely read this again.
January 5, 2024
Highly recommend. This book has completely changed my prayer life and the way I view tough times in my own life. A beautiful reminder of the Lord’s grace, mercy and love for his children and how he cares for us. I will read this book multiple times for sure. At least once a year.
May 30, 2020
Perfect pandemic devotional.
March 30, 2021
Loved this! It’s a gem that I am likely to revisit.
January 30, 2023
A very sweet little book with great wisdom on praying the Psalms in all of life, particularly trials. Highly recommend. Gave a 4 rating due to little quibbles that I suspect would be resolved if I spoke with the author (expect for our view of the covenant and thus paedobaptism 😉)
April 16, 2019
What is not to love about a book that encourages us to go to the Psalms to find the right words to pray in time of need?
Note for the editor: I just wish each chapter started with the whole Psalm and not only an excerpt.
Note for the editor: I just wish each chapter started with the whole Psalm and not only an excerpt.
April 9, 2021
An excellent walk through the Psalms and how to apply them to all of life’s circumstances, especially the difficult ones. Tollefson lays out numerous examples of how to pray through the Psalms, clinging to Scripture in times of joy, frustration, sorrow or any other emotion. It is both encouraging and practical. I recommend to both new and seasoned disciples.
March 16, 2019
5+ stars. I anticipate (with joy!) reading this again and again and again in my lifetime. Perfect devotional-sized chunks that point you back to the truth of God's character as found in the Psalms. I want to give a copy to all my friends!
February 11, 2022
I loved 75 percent of this book. I love the psalms and I love reading it over and over again and seeing truths. It is convicting and it is soothing. I h declines so many verses and words of encouragement in the book I will look back on when I’m struggling with sin and obedience.
The other 25 percent of this book I hated. There were times the author had a very inflated sense of self in her commentary about the psalms and even skewed theology at times. I wrote so much I this book. Places I did not agree and places where the words spoke to my heart and spirit.
As with all books, read with discernment, know the word of God, and always look up references in scripture. I can appreciate the truths, while discerning that not all commentary is truth.
The other 25 percent of this book I hated. There were times the author had a very inflated sense of self in her commentary about the psalms and even skewed theology at times. I wrote so much I this book. Places I did not agree and places where the words spoke to my heart and spirit.
As with all books, read with discernment, know the word of God, and always look up references in scripture. I can appreciate the truths, while discerning that not all commentary is truth.
February 17, 2024
It's been a while since a book has spoken and ministered to me so much. Surely this book has so much biblical truth and is also practical; as you go through various psalms, you'll soon realise that they have so much to teach us about how to live a godly live. Our dear LORD has sure blessed us with the prayer book found in Psalms to teach us how to face various circumstances in life. The author knows how to bring that out without having to preach at you. I found that it was always she walking besides you, sharing what she found helpful in trials. Wish I could own this book and not just borrow it. Hopefully Lindsey Tollefson will write more books in the future, looking forward to that.
Yes, her view on baptism of young children or her accepting yoga are not something I agree with but that's just mentioned in a sentence or two so it's not worth worrying about it if your faith is strong enough to stand on your beliefs.
Yes, her view on baptism of young children or her accepting yoga are not something I agree with but that's just mentioned in a sentence or two so it's not worth worrying about it if your faith is strong enough to stand on your beliefs.
March 30, 2019
Such an encouraging book! Lindsey Tollefson writes from experience showing what an anchor to our soul the Psalms are especially if we take her advice and ...
“As you read through the Psalms, mark passages that encourage you. Write them down, memorize them, sing them, carry them in your pocket, meditate on them when you have a quiet moment. When you pray, use the passages as a guide for your words. Whether you are pleading with God through a difficult trial, or just asking for strength in your everyday work, the Psalms will teach you how to approach God and what to ask for. When you go about your daily tasks, use the Psalms of praise to give your heart words of gratitude. Let the Psalms shape your perspective of God’s character. Let them teach you about His care and love for you. When you are discouraged and losing hope, read the Psalms. Find the truth of God’s grace and preach it to your heart. Feed your soul with the Psalms. They are tools for building your faith.”
“As you read through the Psalms, mark passages that encourage you. Write them down, memorize them, sing them, carry them in your pocket, meditate on them when you have a quiet moment. When you pray, use the passages as a guide for your words. Whether you are pleading with God through a difficult trial, or just asking for strength in your everyday work, the Psalms will teach you how to approach God and what to ask for. When you go about your daily tasks, use the Psalms of praise to give your heart words of gratitude. Let the Psalms shape your perspective of God’s character. Let them teach you about His care and love for you. When you are discouraged and losing hope, read the Psalms. Find the truth of God’s grace and preach it to your heart. Feed your soul with the Psalms. They are tools for building your faith.”
October 24, 2023
I don’t usually rate books like this because I think they hit every person who reads them differently. This one was so positive and uplifting to me at a time in my life when I was, and am, going through so many different trials and although I know it’s there I am just not understanding God’s path for me right now. This book was gifted to me shortly after a tremendous loss in my life, by someone I look up to not only spiritually, but in many ways and it really has touched me and given me so much to look forward to in awaiting what God has planned for me. Philippians 4:13
April 9, 2019
Used this book for my devotions and loved the practical look into various attributes of God and how He shows up in the psalms as a comfort in trials. These words were exactly what I’ve needed in this time of my life. The author is young and doesn’t have a ton of life experience but is very wise in her interpretation of scripture and uses ideas and sometimes specific quotes from well respected authors/preachers which really adds to the book overall.
April 3, 2019
This book was such an encouragement. Each chapter is short, insightful, personal, focused on what the Scriptures say, and easy to read. I liked the application questions/encouragement at the end of each chapter- I always finished with a healthy hunger to go read some more Psalms! I especially enjoyed the last third: "Preaching the Psalms to Yourself." I am really looking forward to rereading this book (it makes a wonderful intro to daily individual Bible reading), and I'm definitely going to end up giving it to others as a gift.
November 12, 2022
This book really took me over year to finish. There was so much to it that I at one point just started the whole thing over to get more out of it.
There were so many good nuggets not only about praying through the Psalms, but also about motherhood, contentment, and trusting the Lord. It was a fantastic book and one that I can guarantee I’ll revisit often.
There were so many good nuggets not only about praying through the Psalms, but also about motherhood, contentment, and trusting the Lord. It was a fantastic book and one that I can guarantee I’ll revisit often.
May 1, 2025
Beautifully written reflection on the Psalms and how to apply the Psalms to our lives in our prayers to God and in our interactions in life.
I plan to buy this book to keep. Definitely one to reflect on and read multiple times.
I plan to buy this book to keep. Definitely one to reflect on and read multiple times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews