Learning to Pray Through the Psalms

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InterVarsity Press, Sep 20, 2009 - Religion
Weariness. Wonder. Joy. Longing. Anger. These are the feelings of the Psalms: honest expressions of pain and joy penned by real people in the midst of real life circumstances. Though they were written centuries ago, the Psalms still resonate deeply with us today, giving voice to our thoughts and longings: "Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD." (Psalm 130:1) "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1) "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God." (Psalm 84:2) In Learning to Pray Through the Psalms, James W. Sire teaches us to take our appreciation for this rich book of Scripture a step further. Choosing ten specific psalms, Sire offers background information that helps us read each one with deeper insight and then lays out a meditative, step-by-step approach to using the psalmists' words as a guide for our own personal conversation with God. A group study is also included in each chapter, along with a guide for praying through the psalm in community. The Lord loves when his people pray. And his Word is a powerful tool for framing honest, intimate prayers. Sire's innovative approach will enrich our minds and our souls as we read more perceptively and pray with all of our emotions.

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Contents

Acknowledgments
9
Introduction
11
BECOMING RIGHT WITH GODPsalm 32
17
WAITING FOR THE LORDPsalm 130
36
NIGHT THOUGHTSPsalm 4
54
A MORNING MEDITATIONPsalm 5
68
THIRSTING FOR GODPsalms 4243
84
A PLEA FOR DELIVERANCE FROM SLANDERPsalm 7
112
PRAYING OUR ANGERPsalm 137
146
THE GOD WHO KNOWS MEPsalm 139
177
OUR MIGHTY FORTRESSPsalm 46
196
TEACH US TO PRAY
209
Guide for Small Group Leaders
216
Notes
219
Annotated Bibliography
224
Copyright

A BLAZING SONG OF JOYPsalm 84
128

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About the author (2009)

James W. Sire (PhD, University of Missouri), formerly a senior editor at InterVarsity Press, is an active speaker and writer. He has taught English, philosophy, theology, and short courses at many universities and seminaries. He continues to be a frequent guest lecturer in the United States and Europe. His InterVarsity Press books and Bible studies include The Universe Next Door (a worldviews textbook), Scripture Twisting, Discipleship of the Mind, Chris Chrisman Goes to College, Why Should Anyone Believe Anything at All?, Habits of the Mind: Intellectual Life as a Christian Calling, Naming the Elephant: Worldview as a Concept, Learning to Pray Through the Psalms, Why Good Arguments Often Fail and A Little Primer on Humble Apologetics.

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