The Extraordinary Power of Praise: A 6-Week Study of the Psalms for the Anxious Heart

by Becky Harling

When stress abounds, soothe your anxious heart with peace and praise. From constant waves of negative news to meeting family, career, and community needs, women today often feel more anxious than ever. Amidst the clamor of the world and the internal longings for peace, our overwhelming need is for more of God’s extraordinary presence, peace, and power in our lives. Join Becky Harling for a 6-week study that looks to Psalm 94:19: “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy!” The Extraordinary Power of Praise will help you put into practice the two-step process for soothing an anxious finding joy to replace anxiety and learning to pour out our hearts to God in praise. Each day includes a study of a Psalm, thought provoking questions, and short morning and evening prayers. You’ll also find suggested praise songs and prayer journaling prompts to help you engage more deeply with God. As you meditate on the Psalms throughout this 6-week study, you’ll experience the genuine joy of God’s presence, develop a positive outlook in the midst of the world’s stress, and find victory over fear and anxiety. The Extraordinary Power of Praise is suited for both individual and group use. For more of Becky’s engaging, empathetic Bible teaching, go deeper into this study with the companion video series, available on Vimeo or for download. You can also find more peace through the Psalms with Becky’s latest daily devotional Psalms for the Anxious Heart .

272 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2021

About the author

BECKY HARLING has a degree in Biblical Literature and is a sought-after speaker and Bible teacher at women's conferences and retreats. Through her writing, Becky creatively combines deep biblical insight with her powerful testimony and the stories of other women. Her life experiences as a pastor's wife, parent of four adult children, grandmother of five grandchildren, women's ministries director, survivor of breast cancer and sexual abuse bring depth to her message. She brings a message of hope and healing that is refreshingly transparent. Becky is a gifted communicator with a passion for helping women find hope, healing, freedom, and ultimately life transformation through Jesus Christ. She is the author of Rewriting Your Emotional Script, Freedom From Performing, The 30 Day Praise Challenge, The 30 Day Praise Challenge for Parents, and How to Listen So People Will Talk.

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This last year has provided the potential of experiencing anxiety, perhaps like never before. What are we to do when we feel anxious? How do we deal with the troubling thoughts?
Harling is convinced praise is the answer. She has created a six week study of psalms she has chosen to particularly deal with anxious feelings. Each weekly study covers several psalms and includes five days of homework. The homework should take less than a half our to complete and includes a morning prayer, a guided study of a psalm, questions to help reflect on the psalm, verses to memorize, a suggested worship song to listen to, and a prayer of praise.

This is a great study. Harling writes from personal experience, not just lofty theory. She shares how she memorized Psalm 46 after she had been told she had breast cancer and faced a double mastectomy. Harling knows the power of studying and memorizing psalms. She knows the encouragement one can find in them. She does a good job of sharing what she has learned about fear and anxiety and how to rely on God's Word and rest in the encouragement and comfort found there.

This is a great study for individual or group use. There is a video series to purchase for this study and the book contains a listening guide for it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Went through this study with a dear friend. We met weekly at a coffee shop. We were encouraged by the focus on praising and thanking God, and the weekly homework prompted lots of enriching conversations. The homework was not difficult or time consuming. I enjoyed listening to the suggested worship songs, praying the scripted prayers, and memorizing the weekly scriptures.

[Diane Estrella · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I liked the book and the author's writing style, it was not quite what I had in mind based on the title. I thought the book would be more praise-musically inclined but it was an overall praising/thanking God in our lives. Which was good, just not what I thought when I ordered it. The author has a beautiful way of turning Bible passages into prayers. She is able to say/pray exactly what my heart is also longing to tell God.

I like the set up of the book as well. There are 5 lessons per week that are approximately 15 to 20 minutes per day. Very manageable and if you miss a day you can make it up and not get behind. This would be an easy integration into a 6 week home group Bible study. The Introduction of the book states there is a six week video teaching available as well to accompany this study but I did not see a link for that in the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Moody Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Laura - Book In Still Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

With all the stressors and complexities we deal with every day, it’s no wonder we often find ourselves feeling anxious. But anxiety is nothing new. As we read the Bible, specifically the Psalms, we discover that people have been living with anxiety for a long time – and being a God-follower doesn’t make you exempt.
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In this six-week guided study of the Psalms, Becky Harling writes of her own experience with anxiety, referencing circumstances like the COVID pandemic and her personal journey with breast cancer. Diving deep into several Psalms and using them as lived examples, Becky suggests a two-step process that she has identified to soothe the anxious heart: pour out your heart to God, and then praise God by faith. While this is a study of the Psalms, Becky does not only focus on this book of the Bible, but also references other scripture passages in her study, which I really appreciated.
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As with other Moody Women bible studies, I appreciate the layout of this book. It begins with a comprehensive introduction, not only to the study topic but to Bible study in general, and then proceeds into a beautifully outlined guided study. Adequate space is given to fill in your own answers to the reflection questions so you can easily look back on your interactions with the Biblical texts and progress throughout the study. This particular study also comes with morning and evening scripted prayers that can be used to bookend your days.
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While this study lives up to the high standards Moody has established with their line of women’s Bible studies, my one caution with this book is its lack of acknowledgment of clinical or professional helps that may be available for those with diagnosed anxiety. There is a marked difference between the acute anxiety we all experience from time to time and the chronic anxiety that sometimes needs to be treated with therapy or medicines. I would hate for readers to think this study could be a cure-all for a diagnosed anxiety disorder, and question whether enough is included to this end. While God is still in the business of working miracles, I stand by the truth that it’s ok to have Jesus and a therapist.
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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Prairie Sky Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever a new title in the Moody Bible Studies for Women series releases, it immediately goes to the very top of my reading list. The latest addition is “The Extraordinary Power of Praise: A 6-Week Study of the Psalms for the Anxious Heart” by Becky Harling. Doesn’t this sound like a book we could all use about now?

Unlike most of the Bible studies I’ve completed in the series, this one does not walk you through an entire book of the Bible. Naturally, we cannot dive into all of the Psalms in 6 weeks, so instead this book is organized by subject, with a focus on specifically chosen Psalms that correspond. . . In Week 1 we face our fears, then comes a deeper look into waiting while worshiping. Lamenting and praise are the subject for the next two weeks, followed by teachings about rekindling joy and finally, living in victory.

Each day of our study includes a morning prayer, an ‘explore’ section with a guided study of a Psalm (using tools such as Scriptural cross references, word studies, and thought-provoking questions), a pause and reflect section, a verse to memorize, a suggested song to listen to, and an evening prayer of praise. If this sounds like an in-depth, no-messing-around study that really dives into the Psalms and helps us apply these ancient words of wisdom to our here-and-now lives - well, that’s exactly because it is!

Without question, I feel this book will be a huge blessing in the lives of anyone who takes the time to dive into the Psalms with Becky Harling as our trusted guide, mentor, and friend. If you are needing encouragement to continue on in your faith, or a boost in your walk with God during this tumultuous time in our uncertain world, I highly recommend turning to “The Extraordinary Power of Praise” as a perfect place to start.

I received this book courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Julie Bihn]

The basic structure of each day is:

*Morning prayer
*Story/etc. from the author
*"Explore" - Read a specific Psalm (she often specifies to read it out loud)
*"Explore" - Answer some questions (usually about specific parts of the Psalm and sometimes after reading other verses)
*"Selah" - Answer questions to reflect
*Memorize a verse or three
*"Pour Out Your Heart" (write a prayer as directed)
*Listen to a specific song
*Evening praise

Most of my Bible study group seemed to really enjoy this one. I thought only the first of the six weeks specifically addressed "anxiety," which is not what I expected based on the title. But she published in 2021, during COVID times, which may be why she and/or the publisher gave it the title they did.

I liked some of the insights. I think we could all stand to praise more, and using the Psalms is a great way to do so. I'm bad at memorizing, but it was good to be pointed towards it. But for me, but sometimes I didn't follow the author's assertions, and I wanted to hear an explanation of how she reached her conclusion. And I tried in good faith to listen to the songs as instructed, but I didn't feel that listening to songs I don't like didn't me praise or worship, and I eventually dropped that part. I found out close to the end of the study, where we're instructed to kneel and listen to three worship songs of our choosing, that I just can't engage with praise songs unless I'm singing, even if I do like the songs. From watching the videos, I think the author and I are very different personality types, which probably didn't help me.

But again, our group overall really liked it, so I reckon most people will connect better than I did. For It was a good book to discuss with a Bible study group. I came away with new knowledge, and I think it will be even better for those with a personality closer to the author's.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becky Harling's "The Extraordinary Power of Praise" is a 6-week study focusing on the book of Psalm that teach us how to have faith in the midst of fear, worship while we wait, praise God, rekindle joy and live in victory.

It is hard to find Bible studies that do not interject the author's own thoughts and theology. While some of both is good, it is also good to allow the student to do this on her own, and Harling's study, as most of Moody Publisher's studies, ask pertinent and relatable questions putting the student in charge of figuring out what God is saying to her in her study. It gives the reader/student an opportunity to focus her attention on Scripture and finding her own way rather than relying on someone else's. That is the main reason I love this study.

Instead of basking in someone else's knowledge and faith, we get to discover things for ourselves and develop our own faith resulting in spiritual growth in our walk with Christ. I encourage you to choose this and any of the other studies in the Moody Publishers' library of women's Bible studies.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Moody Publishers, as part of its book review blogger program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becky Harling writes in a down-to-earth practical manner with humor and hope. She knows the Psalms and lives them. I highly recommend this book during these uncertain times. Buy a copy for yourself and take copies to your pastor, the church librarian, the local counseling center, and to those with an anxious heart. The Psalms, anecdotes, prayers, and music will transport you into the presence of God. You will know without a doubt that God loves you and looks over you with an unconditional, eternal love. I received a copy of this book from the publisher but was not pressured to write a review or give the book a five-star rating. Becky Harling is a five-star author. I am re-reading her previous book, Psalms for the Anxious Heart: A 30-Day Devotional for Uncertain Times. Because of the powerful lessons in praise, I go through her books twice and look forward to the next one.
Yvonne Ortega
Speaker and Author of the Moving from Broken to Beautiful Book Series

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is only a six-week study, but it feels longer. It could have been easily edited down to a taut, emphatic four weeks as the prompts are quite repetitive. I was often writing the same thing over and over in response to the prompts.

Also, even though the author asserts that contemporary worship songs aren’t better than OG hymn worship and vice versa, she only supplies contemporary worship songs as part of the daily study. For me *personally*, these don’t do a lot for me, so I injected in some compline or evensong recordings that I found on Apple Podcasts (e.g. Choral Evensong from Trinity Cathedral is a good one).

Overall, the content is fairly solid. The author has thoughtfully and intentionally chosen psalms that really do make the reader turn inward, I just wish the content wasn’t so repetitive.

[Angela Dechambeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is Extraordinary for sure! One of best devotional studies I have encountered so far. Becky Harling has captured the heart of God in every page. Don't want to give much away but you will be totally blessed by this study as one person or in group setting. Recommend for all seasons of your life. There is some nugget in each chapter that will take hold and calm your anxious heart. Recommend this study wholeheartedly and without reservation. I rate 5 stars,more if I could! Please get your copy today and maybe one to share too. It is that awesome. What a gem! I was not paid for my honest forthright review. It was my delight to do so. Thank you Moody Pub,Women Bible Studies. #theextraordinarypowerofpraise

[McKayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this Bible study from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. This study met me in a weird place personally, so what was meant to be a 30-day study became a 4-month study. I love Becky Harling because her compassion and joy are so evident in her writing. This study provided a well-rounded approach to the Psalms and made room for the Psalms of lament, which I always appreciate. There is a lot to glean from this study. I was especially challenged by the Week 4 topic - contentment. I wish she had expanded more on lament and contentment, but maybe that’s for another study at another time. I’m sure I will sift back through the pages of this book months from now and reflect on who and where I was when I first read it.

[Jennifer K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful study. I appreciated the thought provoking questions which obviously came from an invested study and preparation by Harling. The included prayers are beautiful and there is room provided to write out your own prayers. The suggested music selections are a very nice addition to the study. As an added bonus there is plenty of room to write which makes it feel as if one can take their time. The book is the perfect size and lays flat and can be folded back so it is very easy to write inside. I highly recommend this Bible study for group or individual study. I was given a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book comes along just when you need it. This study is lots of journaling, in fact I would call it more journaling than content. Becky starts with assuming you are struggling with anxiety or why would you choose a study with that in the title. She gradually leads you day by day to joy and praise. She concentrates on having you read individual psalms and apply them to your life. Every day there is a section titled Selah for you to reflect. I really liked that she adds a song to listen to online every day. As usual there are songs I responded to better some days than others.
I would definitely do another study like this.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever thought that expressing your anger, hurts and fears verbally to God can open you up to start worshiping Him? When we worship the Lord it breaks down barriers and frees us to come into His presence like never before.

This Bible study helps you do this. It starts and ends with a wonderful prayer and has a worship song each day. It helps us to have self reflection and how we handle situations. It's not easy to praise when we hurt but this study shows how it can help us. God inhabits the praise of His people.

I recommend The Extraordinary Power of Praise for everyone.

[Gale Penton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Bible study.

[Cupcake Book Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

starts off good, but questions and homework in the last few chapters are less thought out, and sort of self-answering

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this study so much! I love how the study each day began with a prayer and end with prayer! She also paired a worship song each day to listen to!