Bringing the Psalms to Life: How to Understand and Use the Book of Psalms

by Daniel F. Polish

Creative ways we can understand the psalms ... and use their power to enrich our lives. What is the mysterious power of psalms, the power that has made them beloved for thousands of years? This inspiring introduction shows us not only how to read the psalms with understanding, but how we can bring them into our lives, A creative and personal “firsthand approach” to the Book of Psalms, it offers stories and examples that help us interpret and explore the unusual power of the psalms―and use them to enrich our lives.

208 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2000

Reviews

[Rachielle Sheffler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bringing Psalms to Life gives the reader a different perspective on how to use the book of Psalms. The Psalms, mostly attributed to King David, embody the most personal prayers that connect man to God. There are psalms for every occasion in life - thanksgiving, rejoicing, misery, abandonment, sorrow, sickness and pain. There are psalms on how to pray in times of distress from enemies or when dealing with anger.

In this book, author Daniel Polish takes the reader on a journey of uncovering the structure, meaning and use of the passages. Praying the Psalms becomes an opportunity to pray as Jesus had prayed. It is akin to recovering the lost language of one's ancestors.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polish combines a literary and thematic approach to the Psalms with a devotional purpose. He shows the reader the themes in the Psalms and relates the writers of them to our own lives. Who doesn't have to suffer through illness? Or have enemies?

Polish is Jewish, but his approach to the Psalms adds depth to my own Christian beliefs. He tackles Psalm 22, a Psalm which Jews and Christians translate in very different ways and yet is able to make a convincing case that both translations fit with the Psalm.