The Passionate Pursuit of God: Lessons from the Book of Psalms

The book of Psalms is sometimes referred to as the songbook of Israel, and both Jews and Christians have consistently witnessed to the power of the Psalms to give voice to their prayers and their expressions of worship. The Psalms have this power because, they are Israel's words directed to God in worshipful and prayerful response to his presence and actions among them. The Psalms provide examples of prayer and worship, and they have much to say about our worship today. The Psalms are cited often in the New Testament, where many of them are associated with the life of Jesus the Messiah. The importance of the Psalms is illustrated further by their continued use throughout history both in public liturgy and in private devotions.

The poetry of the Psalms gives witness to both the greatest joys of life and to its greatest agonies. For example, the emotions of the psalmist range from despair to elation and every feeling between those extremes.

This study of the book of Psalms is written for a popular audience: laity, pastors, and students. Arranged in nine easy-to-read lessons, the work includes an expositional study of Judges along with discussion questions and student handouts. The format allows the study to be used by an individual, in a small group, or in a church class.

Handouts and PowerPoint presentations may be downloaded free of charge at http://pentecostaltheology.org under 'Resources'.

Roy Martin (DTh, University of South Africa) is Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages and James W. Hamilton Chair for Teaching Lay Involvement at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland, Tennessee. He also serves as Associate Pastor of Grace Community Church of God.