Introduction

The Psalms are an extended refutation that prayer is "being nice" before God.  (Eugene Peterson).

Written millenia ago and our of cultures as far removed from ours as it is possible to be, the Psalms are and earthy, messy reminder that God enters into conversation with us.  Not just any conversation, but one that acknowledges our humanity with all its hurt and pain, joys and sorrows.  The authors were people like us.  People who struggled to make sense of suffering.  People who were awe-struck at the majesty of creation and who felt insignificant in its shadow.  People who loved, and at times loathed God.

As I have read Eugene Peterson's Eat This Book I have been both challenged and encouraged to dive back into the psalms.  So over the next four months ro so I am going to read and reflect on a psalm each day.  I am going back to school.  My teachers are those schooled in the ways of intimate prayer.