A book from Jewish Lights, SkyLight Paths’ sister imprint
In this new look at the Psalms, the most beloved (and yet least understood) of the books in the Bible comes alive. Step into the beauty and meaning of these ancient prayer poems that show us we are not alone in our problems and help us find comfort in God.
Daniel F. Polish, PhD
Paperback
6 x 9, 208 pp | 978-1-58023-157-2
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, in:
- Facing our “enemies”
- Dealing with anger
- Overcoming feeling let down or abandoned
- Coping with sickness—in ourselves or those we love
- Expressing our thanks
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.
“A book of profound spirituality ... for Jews and Christians alike.”
—Catholic News Service
“Polish draws heavily on Jewish commentary, but non-Jewish readers will also appreciate this wise and loving book.”
—Publishers Weekly
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
1: WHAT ARE THE PSALMS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2: THE POWER OF PSALMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3: This Is the Lord's Doing; It Is Marvelous in Our Eyes
REVERSAL OF FORTUNE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4: Where Are You?
WHEN IT FEELS LIKE GOD IS ABSENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5: O God, Please Heal
IN THE FACE OF SICKNESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
6: Fight Against Them That Fight Against Me
WHEN IT FEELS LIKE ENEMIES SURROUND US . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
7: For Your Kindness Endures For Ever
GIVING THANKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
A PERSONAL AFTERWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER READING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
INDEX OF SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
ABOUT JEWISH LIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
