Praying the Psalms: The Divine Gateway to Lectio Divina and Contemplative Prayer / James L. Papandrea

Sometimes it’s easy to simply say the words of the Psalms without really praying them. Our minds are so easily distracted by the many cares of the world. But what if you discovered that these sacred prayers relate directly to your concerns? Here is the book that will help you read the Scriptures with devotion even when you’re struggling, pray with your heart, and find consolation in God’s Word speaking into your life.

Dr. James Papandrea provides you with a new English translation of Psalms carefully selected as most conducive to worshipful prayer so that you can make them your own and pray them with the same relish and fruitfulness as did the early Christians and monastics. This book will help you to pray in the spirit, go deeper into contemplation, and speak to God in every circumstance of your life. As you enter into Divine worship through these prayers, your faith life will be renewed and you will be refreshed by the Lord’s loving kindness and mercy.

In these enlightening pages, you will learn:

• The four stages of Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading) to apply in praying the Psalms
• How to speak to God with the ancient prayers of the Psalms
• Techniques to immerse yourself in the Psalms and hear God speaking to you
• Ways God fortifies you and helps you overcome temptations
• How to pray the Psalms to intercede for others and give thanks to God
• Breathing prayers with the Psalms to quiet your mind and rest in God’s love

Praying the Psalms has the power to transform your prayer life and enhance your ability to worship and rest in the Lord. A handy “mood index” is included to help you quickly locate the psalms that relate best to the state of mind you’re experiencing.