Bless the Lord, O My Soul: 365 Devotions for Prayer and Worship

by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Dave Branon, James Banks

Prayer and worship bring you into close communion with your Savior. Spending just a few minutes reading this devotional allows you to make that connection and carry the blessing throughout your day. Brief stories, written by Our Daily Bread authors, combined with Scripture and an inspirational thought for the day center around these themes of prayer and worship. By using this devotional to connect to God on a regular basis, you can confidently proclaim with the hymn-writer, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!" (Psalm 103:1 ESV).

Genres: Christian

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2020

Reviews

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those who see God portrayed only as an angry and demanding judge are easily lured away by someone who emphasizes mercy. Those who see God as a kindhearted grandfather will reject that image when they need justice. Those who see God as in intellectual ideal rather than a living, loving being eventually find other ideas more appealing. Those who see God as a best friend often leave Him behind when they find human friends who are more to their liking. God declares himself to be merciful, and gracious, but also just in punishing the guilty.


This devotional is centered around worship. And it indeed blesses the soul. Each day brings a worshipful title, scripture and commentary. It ends with a profound word of truth. This devotional is helpful in aligning my heart towards worship in God and my need of Him. Worship includes, prayer, forgiveness, living in grace, thankfulness, bible reading, and serving others. Worshiping God includes receiving his holy sacrificial love. Worship also includes being in awe of God. Leaving the idols behind and seeing the worth of God almighty. Highly recommend.

A special thank you to Our Daily Bread Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Mary Pauline M · Rating 5 out of 5]

( received complimentary e-book for review )

By far, this devotional is very satisfying. Strong Biblical connection, well thought out and written. I know I will be reaching for this book time and time again. Not only for myself, but will give as gifts as well.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 5 out of 5]

My long-standing familiarity with Our Daily Bread goes back to childhood. While I’ve not read it with any consistency over the years, my grandparents did; I still vividly remember my grandfather suggesting that it was time “for a reading” before the meal. (A memory I appreciate now as an adult; I’ll confess I was less enthused as a child because, well, I was hungry and the roast beef, mashed potatoes, and brown gravy looked and smelled amazing.)

So I got really excited when I saw this book released and was available on NetGalley–woot woot! A new book with childhood tie-ins–win. I even recognized a few of the authors’ names from over the years!

This is a great collection. It’s like the “best of” ODB, combining voices from years past along with more current writers. I love each selection’s brevity (let’s be real here :D), in keeping with what I remember, and that the book covers a full year. Frankly, I’ve just been too lazy to subscribe to ODB (whether app, print, or email), so having a year-long book with minimal effort beyond purchasing (something I’m very good at :D) is pretty awesome on multiple levels.

The book is thoughtfully collected and produced, a great way to start the day–not just with childhood nostalgia, but also as a way to honor a tradition my grandparents started so many moons ago.

I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Evalina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The current times in which we are living has left many people filled with uncertainty. In this mindset, the tendency is to look around and see what others are thinking and feeling. The various authors of this year-long devotional have challenged readers to look up instead. For, it is only when we look up that we will experience the true antidote for uncertainty—that is, hope. Hope helps a person to see that there is more to life than what is seen physically. Acknowledging that will prevent distractions, help a person’s outlook, and direct them to the only One that can fulfill their need—God.

Given the number of people looking for some type of hope, this devotional book will serve not only for personal use but also as a wonderful gift.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley. However, the thoughts expressed are totally my own.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a classic and known way, Our Daily Bread has put together a thoughtful and prayerful collection of devotions meant to create a “head’s up” moment. These moments will draw you closer to the Father who is calling to you on a moment by moment basis to look up to Him and to turn to Him in all things. I love the daily readings and simplicity of the devotions shared. Each day has a subject line, a passage of Scripture to read, a verse that is highlighted and then a short story to exemplify the message being shared. Then, the last offering is a one sentence thought as you finish the devotion. The various writers selected offer a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. Recommended for all lovers of the Word. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

[Beverly Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bless the Lord, O My Soul is the perfect daily devotional book for 2021.
I have been blessed reading this daily, though I started reading it at the end of the year when I was given the honor of reviewing it.
There are so many varied authors from Our Daily Bread Ministries that have shared their thoughts and scripture each day.
I’m going to start back at the beginning on January 1st and this will be my prayer and devotional for new year.
I’m so thankful to be able to end this horrific year bathed in the Word of God.
It would make a beautiful, heartfelt Christmas gift.

[Jenny Starling · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Daily Devotion

Reading Bless the Lord, O My Soul was a great devotional for 2023. I enjoyed the views and experience from other. I feel it is very important for my Christian walk to have a daily relationship with our Heavenly Father through prayer and scriptures. This was a good fit for me. I recommend it for all. God blessed!

[Tracy Fritts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good devotional. I love the bible verses. It is wonderful written. I truly reading this devotional.
I read and and reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book All thoughts and opinions are of my own. Thank you NetGalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing.

[K McIntyre]

Review for Prayer and Worship

A truly inspiring book that encourages deeper probing and studying of the Bible. Highly recommended for morning or evening devotion. I forward in reading the next publication.

[Deidre Betterton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the daily food

I have been reading daily devotionals for years now. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It provides very good stories that tie into scripture and is relevant in your life.

[Margaret Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational stories

Each scripture and story is an inspiration to the start or close of your day. I enjoyed each lesson. I believe it will bless your life.

[Marge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Daily Bread

Another uplifting devotional from
Our Daily Bread. It’s a great way to start (or end) your day. I highly recommend all their devotionals.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Holy Spirit uses different ways to touch hearts and minds depending on what we need to draw us closer to God. The simplicity in this daily devotion book makes it accessible to many readers. Each day has a subject line, scripture, and a short story. I was familiar with the scriptures included.

Even though clearly written and biblically sound, Bless the Lord, O My Soul was not the book I needed at this pandemic time. It didn’t feel personal enough to me. I will go back to Jesus Calling or my devotional hymn book, Amazing Grace by Kenneth Osbeck.

I am grateful to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is almost December so January is not far behind. We are fast approaching the time of year when people make resolutions. If one of yours might be to take time for a quick prayer and a contemplative moment each day, this book could be just the thing. There is a short entry for every day of the year and each is meant to provide a moment of reflection and thoughtfulness. The book is a Christian title but I think it could be read by those of other faiths as well.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

[Maggie Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this two times now, and l have really enjoyed it. I've learned a lot. My Grampy (Dave Branon) has written many articles that are in it, but that doesn't make me biased! I read this every night and recommend it to anyone.
Sidenote: The leather cover is really nice.