Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer

I used this as a preparation for a study we did with our small group. It gave me great insight into the Psalms. Its not preachy but rich with practical insight into the Psalms.

This book was my introduction to Eugene Peterson. I immediately fell in love with it. The truth within it's pages has transformed my prayer life. Since reading this book, I have read several other of his books, but I always come back to this one.

Until I read this book, I felt that I ought to pray, even wanted to pray, but when I sat down to do it prayer seemed so complicated and burdensome, and I would come away with a haunting feeling that I never got it "right". This book taught me that prayer means listening, and responding to God--not just talking at him, or coming at him with lists. It set me free to rest in the presence of God, something I often enough ended up doing anyway, but then would feel guilty for. After all, wasn't I supposed to be "praying?" Thank you to Eugene Peterson for this beautiful, well-written, well-expressed book, which is a joy to read. I have heavily underlined and re-read my copy 3 times. It is fresh each time.

I have to agree with the reviewer of August 7, 2001's enthusiasm for this book. I first read "Answering God: The Psalms As Tools for Prayer" when I checked it out of a local library. The book so moved and changed me that I had to stop midway, turn the book back in at the library, and order a copy. "Answering God" is the kind of book that helps the reader open doors that have always be locked to them. In my case, it has revolutionized the way I pray while giving the Psalms greater meaning to me. It is a small book of great depth. It looks at the Psalms--warts and all. It digs deep into the topics it discusses. It looks at the basic questions of what a Psalm consists of. It then teaches what prayer is and how it affects those who pray. It follows this by teaching the reader how to pray the Psalms. This book is full of practical advice and direction. Eugene Peterson is the perfect person to write this book. He is an expert in the field of prayer...not because of any degree he holds but because he is a deep person of prayer (this will be crystal clear to anyone who reads the book). Peterson is a trusted guide for the sometimes unforgiving terrain of the Psalms. I give "Answering God" my most heartfelt recommendation. I urge you to get a copy today.

I just placed an order for six more copies of this book to give to friends and family ... and that's only a start. Am I new to the Bible? Not hardly. I'm one of those "veteran" Christians who has been active in church and other ministries all my life. Even so, "Answering God" introduced me to the Psalms in a way I've never before experienced. I'm excited about using the Psalms to help me develop a deeper, richer prayer life. As Peterson writes: "Prayers are tools for being and becoming ... The Psalms come from a people who hear God speak to them and realize that it is the most important word they will ever hear spoken. They decide to respond." So have I.