Psalms: Songs along the Way

Living Word Bible Studies

by Kathleen Buswell Nielson

'Psalms Volume 1: Songs along the Way' is a series of 12 studies on different psalms that gives an overview of this genre of Scripture, equipping the reader to explore the whole of the Psalms.

Genres: Spirituality, Christian Living

110 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2009

About the author

see also: Kathleen B. Nielson

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Kathleen Nielson holds M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in literature from Vanderbilt University and a B.A. from Wheaton College (Illinois). She has taught in the English departments at Vanderbilt University, Bethel College (Minnesota), and Wheaton College. She is the author of numerous Bible studies, and the book Bible Study: Following the Ways of the Word, as well as various articles and poems. Kathleen has directed and taught women s Bible studies at several churches and speaks extensively at conferences and retreats. She serves as director of women s initiatives for The Gospel Coalition and on the board of directors of The Charles Simeon Trust. Kathleen and her husband Niel (president of Covenant College 2002 2012, now leading an enterprise in global Christian education) have three sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law, and a growing number of grandchildren!

Reviews

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great companion for studying the Psalms. She has a very light touch on explanation and really encourages the reader to spend time reading, observing, meditating, praying through and memorizing the Psalms.

[Erin Ching · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does a nice job connecting the Psalms to the rest of the Bible (particularly New Testament). It includes a variety of types of psalms to study (in lament, praise, etc.). She leaves a lot of the thinking and interpretation work to the reader, which I didn't like at first, but by the end appreciated as it has you engaging more and also learning the skills you need to read the other psalms closely on your own.

[Laurie Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Bible studies have a five day format with about 30 minutes of study per day. I like Kathleen Nielson's Bible studies for several reasons. First, her love of language and literature is especially evident in this study on Psalms. Second, she keeps the larger redemptive story in view with every study. Third, she leads you through the text with probing questions and helpful cross references. She does this without her own commentary which I like because it forces me to think deeply for myself. The only reason I don't give these studies five stars is that at times, her questions are either unclear or just very difficult to answer. I believe this would be remedied by doing the study in a group and getting multiple heads together for the harder questions, but that isn't how I've used these studies.
Just as something to consider if you do this study, I found that printing the psalm for the week helped me to really mark it up, highlight, write margin notes, etc.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good Bible study for the Psalms from a different perspective than other studies I have participated in. I did find the accompanying questions tedious, at times. Reading the Psalms aloud and praying carefully over them as I read was most profitable. The book was a helpful catalyst in exploring the Psalms on a deeper level.

[Lisa Priebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used for WNW bible study. Placing the memory verse at the beginning of each chapter would make better sense if working through by day rather than leaving to the end of the lesson. Interesting selection of Psalms to study further.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so sad this book is over...

[Jessie Wittman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great guide to studying the Psalms on your own.

[Kelly Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great study on the psalms, helps you get in there and dig in some more.

[Kimberly A. TenEyck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book about the Psalms. Thoroughly enjoyed it as we went through it for a Bible Study.