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The book of PSALMS in Rhyme
POWERFUL, POETIC, RHYTHMIC, RHYMING PSALMS... A fresh expression to ignite your soul.
The Psalms are so powerful. They were written to be sung or read out aloud. This rhyming version is a joy to hear and it was such a blessing to work on. My prayer is that it is also a great blessing, to all that read and hear it - Brendan Conboy.
Brendan paints contemporary word patterns in rhyme and in so doing casts fresh light on words and passages we may have read before but skipped over through over-familiarity, providing nuance and insight for the reader to consider and take to heart. - Dave Bilborough (Singer Songwriter)
The Psalms are so powerful. They were written to be sung or read out aloud. This rhyming version is a joy to hear and it was such a blessing to work on. My prayer is that it is also a great blessing, to all that read and hear it - Brendan Conboy.
Brendan paints contemporary word patterns in rhyme and in so doing casts fresh light on words and passages we may have read before but skipped over through over-familiarity, providing nuance and insight for the reader to consider and take to heart. - Dave Bilborough (Singer Songwriter)
285 pages, Paperback
Published August 30, 2021
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Brendan Conboy
33 books13 followersMy biography is one of my published books. It's called THE GOLDEN THREAD. So, I will use this place to tell you why I write.
I left school without an English qualification. Unable to string two sentences together. It’s fair to say that I hated writing. I couldn’t see the point. I couldn’t see the beauty. The beauty that lies in words. And the power. Words are so powerful. They can bring about change. They influence. But how did I change?
Ten years after leaving school I read about Jesus. Not for the first time, but the words that I read came alive. This man Jesus felt real. So, I stepped into a relationship with Him. He came into my life and transformed my mind.
Within a year I was writing rap songs, songs with a message. The words would just fall into my head. Sometimes in bed or just walking the dog. Like a blockage had been removed.
The cover of each of my books, tell you that I am the author of the work. However, that is not strictly true. All of the words written are inspired and given to me by God. I see myself simply as a conduit, a messenger and His instrument to be used.
Though I nearly didn’t start writing books at all…
My mother died in 2011 and when we were sorting through her possessions, we found the start of a story that she had been writing. It was her life story. She hadn’t written very much at all, but it was enough to inspire me to do the same, but I didn’t.
Two years later I was still procrastinating about it. So, in 2013 I happened to mention in passing to a friend that I was thinking of writing a book. I suppose deep down I was seeking some encouragement, but that is not what I received. Instead my friend said, “You could never be an Author. An Author writes 3,600 words an hour. You could never do that, so you could never be an Author.”
I thought to myself, “He’s right, I could never be an Author.”
It was like a curse, a mental blockage. I don’t know if that was my friends intention, but that is what happened. Though, something kept gnawing away at me. My mother was inspiring me, fighting back against the curse.
It took another two years, but in 2015, I eventually published my first book, my biography. I called it The Golden Thread, but you will have to read the book to find out why. I had published a book, but still I struggled to call myself an Author and so my writing stopped, with the exception of the odd poem or two.
Then in July 2018 I was sat in a large Christian festival, with thousands of people around me. I had been waiting for a kidney transplant for two and a half years and I was angry with God. In the midst of the crowded room and drowned out by the sound, I cried out to God. “What am I supposed to be doing with my life, I feel rejected, discarded and worthless.”
Then I felt God speak back to me, it was so clear, “Brendan, I haven’t finished with you yet. You still have tools and skills that I want you to use, so use them.” Later on at the same festival someone prayed for me and I had confirmation. God was telling me to write. This was the skill and tools that He wanted me to use.
I returned home determined to write. I had planned to write a teen fiction novel of some sort. First though, I had gathered a small pile of teen fiction books to read. I had the idea that these would inspire me, but as I chose the first book, God spoke to me again. “Brendan, you don’t need to read these books. You have the tools and skills and I want you to use them.”
Then the words of my friend returned to me, “You could never be an Author… have to write 3,600 words an hour… you can’t do that.”
Was that right? Did I believe that? I decided to find out for myself and asked Google. I was rather shocked and surprised to read that most authors will write about 1,000 words a day and Stephen King, an amazing author, will write 2,000. I decided that 1,000 words was easily achievable. I also then realised, all tho
I left school without an English qualification. Unable to string two sentences together. It’s fair to say that I hated writing. I couldn’t see the point. I couldn’t see the beauty. The beauty that lies in words. And the power. Words are so powerful. They can bring about change. They influence. But how did I change?
Ten years after leaving school I read about Jesus. Not for the first time, but the words that I read came alive. This man Jesus felt real. So, I stepped into a relationship with Him. He came into my life and transformed my mind.
Within a year I was writing rap songs, songs with a message. The words would just fall into my head. Sometimes in bed or just walking the dog. Like a blockage had been removed.
The cover of each of my books, tell you that I am the author of the work. However, that is not strictly true. All of the words written are inspired and given to me by God. I see myself simply as a conduit, a messenger and His instrument to be used.
Though I nearly didn’t start writing books at all…
My mother died in 2011 and when we were sorting through her possessions, we found the start of a story that she had been writing. It was her life story. She hadn’t written very much at all, but it was enough to inspire me to do the same, but I didn’t.
Two years later I was still procrastinating about it. So, in 2013 I happened to mention in passing to a friend that I was thinking of writing a book. I suppose deep down I was seeking some encouragement, but that is not what I received. Instead my friend said, “You could never be an Author. An Author writes 3,600 words an hour. You could never do that, so you could never be an Author.”
I thought to myself, “He’s right, I could never be an Author.”
It was like a curse, a mental blockage. I don’t know if that was my friends intention, but that is what happened. Though, something kept gnawing away at me. My mother was inspiring me, fighting back against the curse.
It took another two years, but in 2015, I eventually published my first book, my biography. I called it The Golden Thread, but you will have to read the book to find out why. I had published a book, but still I struggled to call myself an Author and so my writing stopped, with the exception of the odd poem or two.
Then in July 2018 I was sat in a large Christian festival, with thousands of people around me. I had been waiting for a kidney transplant for two and a half years and I was angry with God. In the midst of the crowded room and drowned out by the sound, I cried out to God. “What am I supposed to be doing with my life, I feel rejected, discarded and worthless.”
Then I felt God speak back to me, it was so clear, “Brendan, I haven’t finished with you yet. You still have tools and skills that I want you to use, so use them.” Later on at the same festival someone prayed for me and I had confirmation. God was telling me to write. This was the skill and tools that He wanted me to use.
I returned home determined to write. I had planned to write a teen fiction novel of some sort. First though, I had gathered a small pile of teen fiction books to read. I had the idea that these would inspire me, but as I chose the first book, God spoke to me again. “Brendan, you don’t need to read these books. You have the tools and skills and I want you to use them.”
Then the words of my friend returned to me, “You could never be an Author… have to write 3,600 words an hour… you can’t do that.”
Was that right? Did I believe that? I decided to find out for myself and asked Google. I was rather shocked and surprised to read that most authors will write about 1,000 words a day and Stephen King, an amazing author, will write 2,000. I decided that 1,000 words was easily achievable. I also then realised, all tho
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 30, 2021
Brendan Conboy’s ‘The book of PSALMS in Rhyme’ is an amazing work. The writer having gone through kidney failure and was cursed that he could never be an author, has miraculously produced a reader friendly version of the Psalms and other creative works! This book is an enjoyable read especially when you are relaxed reading your favourite psalms and you will blessed by the captivating way each psalm has been expressed. I started with some of the psalms I knew very well just to see how the author had recrafted it in rap and rhyme. I was very blessed and impressed. I acknowledge the writer’s gift from God! Brendan is a clever rap artist and I can imagine each psalm accompanied by musical instruments and a great choir to God’s glory. Really worth its 5 stars!
August 30, 2021
In his latest book retelling the Psalms with a rhyming twist, Brendan Conboy has taken the monks’ bread and butter and put some jam into them. He has given us a very accessible version with his rap artist’s view of word and song giving old familiar words new zest and life. He takes these sacred texts out of the cloisters, cathedrals and churches of the sacred spaces and aims to bring them into the ordinary day places known to the ordinary folks in the pubs, clubs, and on into the high streets and so into our everyday lives where we live, work and play.
The zing of the sounds in his rhyming can be breathless and exhilarating while the steady heart-beat of the steadfast love of the Lord thrumming in them too, underpins this work with a constant undertone of tribute to the Lord God Almighty who made us and still cares for us in the heated challenges that confront us on a near daily basis.
The little illustrations and the elements of personal testimony interspersed giving added warmth make this an ideal introduction to the songs and prayer cries of worship underpinning the scriptures found in both Old and New Testaments of the Bible. It would also serve as a good pick-me-up for those of us who are already steeped in their timeless beauty and wisdom but are perhaps thereby lulled into the sleep of the satisfied rather than roused into the newness of adventure happening and still to come, in the company of the Creator.
There is a taste of the raw energy and vitality pulsing in this retelling that makes this a must have book of reference for anyone launched on this journey of relationship with God. It will serve as a welcome addition, rather like the condiments of the table, there to bring out the flavour in the existing translations. I commend it gladly
The zing of the sounds in his rhyming can be breathless and exhilarating while the steady heart-beat of the steadfast love of the Lord thrumming in them too, underpins this work with a constant undertone of tribute to the Lord God Almighty who made us and still cares for us in the heated challenges that confront us on a near daily basis.
The little illustrations and the elements of personal testimony interspersed giving added warmth make this an ideal introduction to the songs and prayer cries of worship underpinning the scriptures found in both Old and New Testaments of the Bible. It would also serve as a good pick-me-up for those of us who are already steeped in their timeless beauty and wisdom but are perhaps thereby lulled into the sleep of the satisfied rather than roused into the newness of adventure happening and still to come, in the company of the Creator.
There is a taste of the raw energy and vitality pulsing in this retelling that makes this a must have book of reference for anyone launched on this journey of relationship with God. It will serve as a welcome addition, rather like the condiments of the table, there to bring out the flavour in the existing translations. I commend it gladly
September 8, 2021
I have found reading this book really interesting. It certainly helps in making individual psalms and the whole book of psalms accessible. When it came to my favourite psalms that I have thought about a lot over my 70 years I found myself slightly disappointed (particularly psalm 8), but then that is what one would expect really. This is a joyful book that encourages us to get our minds focussed on the beauty of the psalms (even the darkest of laments can have beauty!). It doesn't pretend to be a deep theological tome but a book that enlightens and lightens the word to make it more accessible. It also re-imagines the psalms as the poetry that they originally were. This was prose and poetry in Hebrew that lost its rhyme through translation. What Brendan has done is put that back showing us something of the Psalms' original purpose and place in both Torah and Synagogue.
September 7, 2021
"The Book of PSALMS in Rhyme:" by Brendan Conboy is a collection of Psalms with a modern day portrayal. I have no trouble reading these poems. Most of the time I don't like poetry because I am someone that really doesn't like symbolic and imaginative words. I want the meaning to be clear from the beginning and these poems are just that. I read the book straight through. I have the ebook copy but am really thinking of getting the print copy and keeping it in my purse for those times when I need a quick reminder that God is with me, I really like Psalms 23 in this book.
I recommend this book. I think the little illustrations and a few personal testimonies add to the enjoyment of the reading of this book.
This book should not take the place of the Bible, just use this book as a helper to understand the Psalms better
I received a complimentary copy from the author and these opinions are my own.
I recommend this book. I think the little illustrations and a few personal testimonies add to the enjoyment of the reading of this book.
This book should not take the place of the Bible, just use this book as a helper to understand the Psalms better
I received a complimentary copy from the author and these opinions are my own.
September 8, 2021
At the beginning of the book the author includes some testimony of the challenges he faced to respond to God’s prompting and to use the gifts and talent that God has given him to write. His story is inspirational, and he has accomplished, by the grace of God, a mammoth task of rewriting all one hundred and fifty of the psalms in rhyme.
“The Lord is the Greatest Shepherd, my number One.
I always have sufficient, through all that he has done.” Psalm 23:1
This brings fresh insight into the psalms, especially effective when read aloud – and after all the psalms were written to be spoken or sung. The book provides an additional element to our reading and understanding of the psalms for personal or group study.
“The Lord is the Greatest Shepherd, my number One.
I always have sufficient, through all that he has done.” Psalm 23:1
This brings fresh insight into the psalms, especially effective when read aloud – and after all the psalms were written to be spoken or sung. The book provides an additional element to our reading and understanding of the psalms for personal or group study.
August 30, 2021
I am someone who can struggle with written words on a page. Its easy for me to switch off and my mind to drift elsewhere.
However I love Poetry, I find it easier to engage with and absorb; and I love Psalms. It is one of my favourite books in the Bible, so taking a look at this book was, for me exciting.
I went straight to my favourite Psalm, which is Psalm 121, and was delighted to see how easy it flowed, using rhyme, without diluting its meaning and message.
Thereafter I was keen to start at the beginning, and although I am only part way through, I have found this an easy and comfortable read, which had me smiling from ear to ear.
For anyone who struggles with the language of the Bible, I would recommend this.
Congratulations Brendan Conboy. This is an absolute triumph! :-)
However I love Poetry, I find it easier to engage with and absorb; and I love Psalms. It is one of my favourite books in the Bible, so taking a look at this book was, for me exciting.
I went straight to my favourite Psalm, which is Psalm 121, and was delighted to see how easy it flowed, using rhyme, without diluting its meaning and message.
Thereafter I was keen to start at the beginning, and although I am only part way through, I have found this an easy and comfortable read, which had me smiling from ear to ear.
For anyone who struggles with the language of the Bible, I would recommend this.
Congratulations Brendan Conboy. This is an absolute triumph! :-)
September 4, 2021
It’s true that the words of the Psalms were written to be sung.So why not a rhyme style version for our contemporary times? Intended to be a paraphrase rather than a translation I could see this is enjoyed most when read aloud.Brendan paints contemporary word pattens in rhyme and in so doing casts a fresh light on words and passages we may have read before but skipped over though over familiarity, providing nuance and insight for the reader to consider and take to heart.
Psalms in rhyme is not a substitute for the Bible and never claims to be.Seen as a supplement rather than a replacement it will be appreciated by many as a welcome resource for church services and individual use.Well done Brendan!
Psalms in rhyme is not a substitute for the Bible and never claims to be.Seen as a supplement rather than a replacement it will be appreciated by many as a welcome resource for church services and individual use.Well done Brendan!
August 30, 2021
I have really enjoyed reading this collection of Psalms with a modern day portrayal.
The author is super talented at bringing these works to life and making them talk to their readers. The words touch the very being of people as indeed they would have done when the originals were written. With an open mind I found my heart warming as I read more.
This collection is a work of art and constitutes a must read.
For Christians, non Christians and other religions alike we can all learn something from these poems and stories.
I now feel compelled to read the Authors other works, Brendon Conboy has a superb god-given talent for writing.
The author is super talented at bringing these works to life and making them talk to their readers. The words touch the very being of people as indeed they would have done when the originals were written. With an open mind I found my heart warming as I read more.
This collection is a work of art and constitutes a must read.
For Christians, non Christians and other religions alike we can all learn something from these poems and stories.
I now feel compelled to read the Authors other works, Brendon Conboy has a superb god-given talent for writing.
September 3, 2021
Rhythmic, but also heartfelt and meaningful.
I'm writing a few preliminary words about this book because I felt I wanted to recommend it for a few reasons:
Basically this author was told years ago that he wouldn't be able to write a book. But instead of listening to those words, he trusted his faith and kept on writing, publishing many books in the process, successfully!
Another reason, although I haven't finished reading this book yet, I wanted to tell you how the rhythm and the way in which the Psalms have been rewritten, are meaningful and heartfelt. The author obviously has a skill in this area.
Once I have finished reading The Book of Psalms in Rhyme, I will update my review.
Credit to the author, Brendan Conboy. Well done.
I'm writing a few preliminary words about this book because I felt I wanted to recommend it for a few reasons:
Basically this author was told years ago that he wouldn't be able to write a book. But instead of listening to those words, he trusted his faith and kept on writing, publishing many books in the process, successfully!
Another reason, although I haven't finished reading this book yet, I wanted to tell you how the rhythm and the way in which the Psalms have been rewritten, are meaningful and heartfelt. The author obviously has a skill in this area.
Once I have finished reading The Book of Psalms in Rhyme, I will update my review.
Credit to the author, Brendan Conboy. Well done.
August 30, 2021
I would thoroughly recommend Brendan's Book of Psalms in Rhyme!
He is such an amazing communicator, he has fully understood God's Truths from the Psalms, and presented them to you in a way that you can easily understand and connect with.
Not only that, but it's all in rhyme which makes it fun, a light read, but at the same time it is also very deep - God speaking right into your heart.
He is such an amazing communicator, he has fully understood God's Truths from the Psalms, and presented them to you in a way that you can easily understand and connect with.
Not only that, but it's all in rhyme which makes it fun, a light read, but at the same time it is also very deep - God speaking right into your heart.
Want to read
August 30, 2021I love Brendan’s use of literary and poetry. The blend of Biblical truth, Brendan’s insight, and his unique twist on the Psalms, reveals a cadence that draws you in, chapter by chapter.
August 30, 2021
Wow…. What a truly inspirational and refreshing look at the Psalms. This is a great resource for personal and corporate use… a book to keep returning to and soaking in… thank you Brendan!
August 30, 2021
absolutely brilliant book enjoy reading it immensely almost every psalm put into new words have spoken to me i can highly recommend it its a very encouraging and uplifting book
August 30, 2021
This book creates a new perspective on the psalms. Brendan’s amplification of familiar passages gives a greater depth of understanding and insight. The rhyming causes you to stop and contemplate afresh and makes the psalms more accessible and readable. He takes the historical context and gives it a modern twist which is perhaps easier to identify with.
Wendy and Richard Hills
Wendy and Richard Hills
August 30, 2021
Brendan’s appetite for ‘rap’ is unstoppable! I almost cannot believe the amount of work he must have undertaken to produce this work. He says in one Psalm “God is my Champ!” and indeed he is! I particularly enjoyed one of Brendan’s own poems ‘Never Look Back’ which appears part way through the book, and is there, I think, to help the reader gain empathy with the original writers of the Psalms. I like the humour and the rhythms, and those who enjoy Psalms of course will have their favourites.
September 8, 2021
I'm afraid I didn't finish this book. A brave attempt at tackling the psalms and there are some great rhymes in the book but there are also others that seem a little forced. I really liked the illustrations which helped to get the message of the poetry across. I would have liked to see a lot more of these.
October 22, 2024
I received an ARC of The Book of Psalms in Rhyme on the understanding that I’d post an honest review when it was launched.
The Psalms are one of my favourite parts of the Bible and writing rhyme is one of my interests. To render 150 psalms in rhyme is a big project and Brendan Conboy has done well. His style is similar to rap, with some long lines and other lines with rhyming words in the middle and at the end.
In the time available I have only managed to read about 20 of the rhyming psalms. They are true to the meaning of the English translations of the Psalms. David’s earnest rhyming prayers have an urgency and vibrancy, which might be missed in older versions.
I particularly like the rendering of Selah as (Pause in his presence)
The Psalms are meant to be used to learn about and draw closer to God.
This book will be helpful and I look forward to reading it to the end.
Update 22 Oct 2024 I finished reading The Psalms in Rhyme as I read through the book of Psalms in the NIV version. I found that reading the psalm in the Bible followed by the rhyming paraphrase shed new light on some of the psalms.
The Psalms are one of my favourite parts of the Bible and writing rhyme is one of my interests. To render 150 psalms in rhyme is a big project and Brendan Conboy has done well. His style is similar to rap, with some long lines and other lines with rhyming words in the middle and at the end.
In the time available I have only managed to read about 20 of the rhyming psalms. They are true to the meaning of the English translations of the Psalms. David’s earnest rhyming prayers have an urgency and vibrancy, which might be missed in older versions.
I particularly like the rendering of Selah as (Pause in his presence)
The Psalms are meant to be used to learn about and draw closer to God.
This book will be helpful and I look forward to reading it to the end.
Update 22 Oct 2024 I finished reading The Psalms in Rhyme as I read through the book of Psalms in the NIV version. I found that reading the psalm in the Bible followed by the rhyming paraphrase shed new light on some of the psalms.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews