Christ in the Psalms - by Patrick Henry Reardon (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Christ in the Psalms takes the reader on a thought-provoking and enlightening pilgrimage through this beloved prayer book of the Church. Lively and highly devotional, this book holds a wealth of insight into the beloved Scriptures, the world of the Early Church, and the Apostles themselves, who constantly used and referred to the Psalms in their own writings. Appropriate for Great Lent or any other time of the year.

From the author of the books in the "Orthodox Christian Reflections" Bible Commentary series (The Trial of Job: Orthodox Christian Reflections on the Book of Job, Creation and the Patriarchal Histories: Orthodox Christian Reflections on the Book of Genesis, and others).

Review Quotes

"I cannot recall a boring sentence in the writings of Patrick Reardon. He is at his best in his work on biblical texts. His book on the Psalms reflects a lifetime of pastoral experience and scholarly pursuit. I know of no introduction to the Psalms which is at once so engaging, so profound, and so useful. This may well prove to be a modern classic."

-Jim Forest, Director of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship

"Christ in the Psalms has been a faithful and continual companion to me for years. Patrick Reardon's Christological vision of Old Testament Scripture enhanced my journey into the wonder of the Church's apostolic and patristic claim that our Lord Jesus Christ truly pervades the Old Testament. His work of anchoring the psalter in the liturgical life of the Church was an important factor in my entering the Orthodox Church and priesthood. Having been long devoted to the psalter both in my own spiritual life and in my preaching ministry, I was humbled to discover how much I had yet to see in it. This book has been a treasure that enables me to hear the voice of the Lord praying during His earthly life. I have given countless copies to others who also have experienced the same joy and light from this wonderful book."

-Fr. Wilbur David Ellsworth, Pastor of Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Church, Warrenville, Illinois

"This is a book that I would say belongs on every Christian's shelf. The Psalms are a part of us. As Orthodox Christians they are a part of every service, and for many of us a part of our daily lives. Still, sometimes they can be challenging. My spiritual father has told me more than once to see Christ in the Psalms, that our view of the Old Testament should be seen through the eyes of the New, as Christ explained the scriptures to the disciples in Emmaus, but having this volume that goes into each Psalm and speaks on what it means in light of Christ makes this challenge something I can actively learn.

The book itself is simply formatted-a beautiful introduction, then a two page segment for each Psalm in order. As I was reading through it I knew I would keep this book on hand even after finishing it, returning to it as different Psalms become a deeper part of my life, or questions arise. His words illuminate the beauty of the Psalms with the light of Christ thoroughly and beautifully, going into enough detail to draw the words closer and bring a new view of these ancient words.

If you love the Psalms, or are challenged by them and want to love them more, this is an excellent book to put on your shelf and work through bit by bit or read through all at once. I am now very curious about his other works on other Old Testament books, and will likely add those to my collection as well!"

-Elena P, Ether, NC