Every commentary on the "Book of Psalms" has had to face the issue that many of these prayers commemorate and celebrate wrath and vengeance. What is needed is not ingenious exegetical rationalization of ancient texts, but the kind of transformation into a work of piety and art that is provided here. Addressed are the needs of a world seeking to counter individual and societal injustices by a global peace born of personal peace through prayer and practice. In short, here is the "Book of Psalms" recast in the light of the continuing revelation and evolution of the authentic religious spirit of the scriptures.

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Tenth Anniversary Edition by Nan C. Merrill.; Psalms 1-150.

About the Author

Nan C. Merrill is the author of Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness, which has sold 50,000 copies and is in a tenth-anniversary edition. She lives in Jericho, Vermont, and Hannibal, Missouri.

Reviews

Merrill, the editor of Friends of Silence newsletter, has led retreats, worked with inner-city parishes, and been involved with prison ministry for many years. She has reworked the Book of Psalms in a loving, contemplative manner, which betrays none of the book's original vigor or essence. Rather, in a mode that is fresh and eloquent, Merrill's psalms evoke that deep sense of reverence and soul-stirring dialog with the divine that is often eclipsed by the fear of divine wrath in the original. Merrill has carefully crafted these verses to rekindle for contemporary readers the timeless mystery of divine love, using language that is not constrained by gender or judgment. Highly recommended for all libraries.

"'Merrill has reworked the Psalms in a loving, contemplative manner, which betrays none of the book's original vigor or essence. Rather, in a mode that is fresh and eloquent, Merrill's psalms evoke that deep sense of reverence and soul-stirring dialogue with the divine that is often eclipsed by the fear of the divine. Highly recommended for all libraries.' Library Journal 'A much-needed resource for home liturgies and individual prayer.' Contemporary Spirituality 'The very liveliness of the Psalms causes us to want to say them in our own language. Nan Merrill has done this marvelously, and I'm grateful for this labor of imagination and love.' Madeleine L'Engle 'Merrill allows the Psalms to be something new, fresh, contemporary, and yet themselves.' Walter Wink"