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Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible
Translated from the German
In this beautiful little book, Bonhoeffer guides the Christian to the Scriptures for lessons in how to pray. He affirms that the Lord's Prayer is the primary prayer of the Christian, which he asserts contains every prayer that a Christian ought to pray. Bonhoeffer also makes a startling but wise claim that jolts us out of the narrowness of our focus in prayer: "The richness of the Word of God ought to determine our prayer, not the poverty of our heart." Thus we find the book of Psalms to be a rich treasury of prayers that are part of God's inspired word, and therefore a true place to learn how God would have us pray.
In this beautiful little book, Bonhoeffer guides the Christian to the Scriptures for lessons in how to pray. He affirms that the Lord's Prayer is the primary prayer of the Christian, which he asserts contains every prayer that a Christian ought to pray. Bonhoeffer also makes a startling but wise claim that jolts us out of the narrowness of our focus in prayer: "The richness of the Word of God ought to determine our prayer, not the poverty of our heart." Thus we find the book of Psalms to be a rich treasury of prayers that are part of God's inspired word, and therefore a true place to learn how God would have us pray.
88 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1959
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About the author
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
335 books1,683 followersDietrich Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor and theologian. He was also a participant in the German Resistance movement against Nazism, a founding member of the Confessing Church. His involvement in plans by members of the Abwehr (the German Military Intelligence Office) to assassinate Adolf Hitler resulted in his arrest in April 1943 and his subsequent execution by hanging in April 1945, shortly before the war's end. His view of Christianity's role in the secular world has become very influential.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
April 24, 2022
God's speech in Jesus Christ meets us in the Holy Scriptures. If we wish to pray with confidence and gladness, then the words of Holy Scripture will have to be the solid basis of our prayer. For here we know that Jesus Christ, the Word of God, teaches us to pray. The words which come from God become, then, the steps on which we find our way to God.
What a gem! This is a keeper. I will definitely be returning to this little volume in the future as a resource on prayer and the Psalms. Bonhoeffer takes the Lord's Prayer (which Jesus used to teach his disciples how to pray) and breaks it down into ten subjects: the creation; the law; holy history; the Messiah; the church; life; suffering; guilt; enemies; the end. Each of the subjects has its own chapter in this book in which the corresponding Psalms are listed and discussed. Thus, one could take use this book and pray through the Psalter in the order of the Lord's Prayer. At the end of the book, it is recommended that this prayer time be a morning habit. More than seven years ago, I read an article on Scripture memory which convicted me of my lack in this area. I decided to begin memorizing the Psalms. Rather than memorize a chapter and move on, I use a method where I am continually reviewing and adding on new text. So far my journey has brought me to Psalm 116, but this is clearly a project that will stay with me many years yet, Lord willing. Storing these chapters in my heart has helped make my prayer life more robust and pervasive in my day. Verses come to mind throughout the day the apply to the needs of others or happenings in my own life. Boenhoeffer has reminded me of the value of the Psalter and will enrich my studies in the future.
Thank you to Broadleaf Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
What a gem! This is a keeper. I will definitely be returning to this little volume in the future as a resource on prayer and the Psalms. Bonhoeffer takes the Lord's Prayer (which Jesus used to teach his disciples how to pray) and breaks it down into ten subjects: the creation; the law; holy history; the Messiah; the church; life; suffering; guilt; enemies; the end. Each of the subjects has its own chapter in this book in which the corresponding Psalms are listed and discussed. Thus, one could take use this book and pray through the Psalter in the order of the Lord's Prayer. At the end of the book, it is recommended that this prayer time be a morning habit. More than seven years ago, I read an article on Scripture memory which convicted me of my lack in this area. I decided to begin memorizing the Psalms. Rather than memorize a chapter and move on, I use a method where I am continually reviewing and adding on new text. So far my journey has brought me to Psalm 116, but this is clearly a project that will stay with me many years yet, Lord willing. Storing these chapters in my heart has helped make my prayer life more robust and pervasive in my day. Verses come to mind throughout the day the apply to the needs of others or happenings in my own life. Boenhoeffer has reminded me of the value of the Psalter and will enrich my studies in the future.
Thank you to Broadleaf Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2015
I found this very short book useful for 2 reasons:
1. It provided a good overview of how to classify Psalms under particular topics. So those psalms that are about guilt, suffering, the church, the Law, etc. This is particularly useful when understanding how to use them when praying.
2. It had a brief 20 page biographical sketch of Bonhoeffer's life that I appreciated. Reading more extensive bios on him has always been on my list but I haven't been able to get to it, so having this abridged version gave me some insights into the man.
I've been using the Psalms in my daily prayer life for a little while now and this is a very useful accompaniment to better understanding how to use particular Psalms when praying.
1. It provided a good overview of how to classify Psalms under particular topics. So those psalms that are about guilt, suffering, the church, the Law, etc. This is particularly useful when understanding how to use them when praying.
2. It had a brief 20 page biographical sketch of Bonhoeffer's life that I appreciated. Reading more extensive bios on him has always been on my list but I haven't been able to get to it, so having this abridged version gave me some insights into the man.
I've been using the Psalms in my daily prayer life for a little while now and this is a very useful accompaniment to better understanding how to use particular Psalms when praying.
November 23, 2011
This work is one of Bonhoeffer’s great but oft overlooked contributions to Christian devotional literature. Many works have been written on prayer and call readers to greater prayer lives, but few succeed in offering a true methodology for doing so that is not mundane, legalistic, or self-centered. Bonhoeffer, ever the man of prayer, offers a unique method of approaching the throne of grace that empowers fresh, grace-filled, and God-centered prayers. Bonhoeffer’s solution is not complex or mysterious. The writer offers the reader one of the simplest concepts this reviewer has ever seen – pray the Psalms!
Relying on Luther’s proclamation that the Psalms are really a book of prayers, Dietrich lays out some extremely practical methods of approaching each major type of Psalm and praying them. If one wishes to get an interesting little perspective on the Psalter or the topic of prayer, this little book written by one of the great saints of modern Christendom is worth every penny; however, if the reader is looking for a scholarly tome on the Psalms, then it is certainly not the book for this need. The book is short, insightful, devotional, inspiring, and convicting.
Relying on Luther’s proclamation that the Psalms are really a book of prayers, Dietrich lays out some extremely practical methods of approaching each major type of Psalm and praying them. If one wishes to get an interesting little perspective on the Psalter or the topic of prayer, this little book written by one of the great saints of modern Christendom is worth every penny; however, if the reader is looking for a scholarly tome on the Psalms, then it is certainly not the book for this need. The book is short, insightful, devotional, inspiring, and convicting.
December 10, 2017
2017 -- Always good.
2016 Review: So tiny and yet it has some exhortations that have stayed -and will stay with me always:
"If we wish to pray with confidence and gladness, then the words of the Holy Scripture will have to be the solid basis of our prayer."
"If we want to read and pray the prayers of the Bible and especially the Psalms, therefore, we must not ask first what they have to do with us, but what they have to do with Jesus Christ."
"If we are to pray aright, perhaps it is quite necessary that we pray contrary to our own heart. Not what we want to pray is important, but what God wants us to pray."
"The richness of the Word of God ought to determine our prayer, not the poverty of our heart."
"The morning prayer determines the day."
2013 Review: In the words of the author, this is a "short stroll through the Psalter in order to learn to pray a few psalms a bit better."
2016 Review: So tiny and yet it has some exhortations that have stayed -and will stay with me always:
"If we wish to pray with confidence and gladness, then the words of the Holy Scripture will have to be the solid basis of our prayer."
"If we want to read and pray the prayers of the Bible and especially the Psalms, therefore, we must not ask first what they have to do with us, but what they have to do with Jesus Christ."
"If we are to pray aright, perhaps it is quite necessary that we pray contrary to our own heart. Not what we want to pray is important, but what God wants us to pray."
"The richness of the Word of God ought to determine our prayer, not the poverty of our heart."
"The morning prayer determines the day."
2013 Review: In the words of the author, this is a "short stroll through the Psalter in order to learn to pray a few psalms a bit better."
September 27, 2011
Such a short book with a long lasting impact. I have always thought of Psalms as songs unto the Lord however, Psalms are the basis of the Lord's Prayer. Many times Jesus quoting a psalm in prayer. Which makes perfect sense with the Sela in many Psalms. Sela indicates that one must be still and quickly think through the words of the Psalm, to quiet the heart, and to know the greatness and goodness of the Lord.
April 19, 2024
My only regret about this book is that I didn’t read it till now. It’s a theological tardis, with the appearance of smallness and a door to eternal truth and consolation. It’s a key that opens my mouth to pray the Psalms in ways I didn’t know I could. I need to own it so I can reread it, so that I can keep learning to see Jesus in this way. A sample:
“I leave the vengeance to God and ask him to execute his righteousness to all his enemies, knowing that God has remained true to himself and has himself secured justice in his wrathful judgment on the cross, and that this wrath has become grace and joy for us. Jesus Christ himself requests the execution of the wrath of God on his own body, and thus he leads me back daily to the gravity and the grace of his cross for me and all the enemies of God.”
“I leave the vengeance to God and ask him to execute his righteousness to all his enemies, knowing that God has remained true to himself and has himself secured justice in his wrathful judgment on the cross, and that this wrath has become grace and joy for us. Jesus Christ himself requests the execution of the wrath of God on his own body, and thus he leads me back daily to the gravity and the grace of his cross for me and all the enemies of God.”
January 30, 2018
A brief but splendid introduction to the Psalms which teaches us how to pray them in light of the first and most important pray-er, Jesus. In him the psalms are fulfilled, prayed aright, and become our own.
April 16, 2021
A good basic guide and overview.
March 16, 2025
Very interesting. There was a short biography in the back, which was also interesting.
January 1, 2025
A great introduction to the Psalms and there significance. Dietrich does a great job of explaining the various categories of psalms and their place in the life of the Christian. There is certainly a richness in the poetic text of Psalms that can easily be overlooked.
September 28, 2011
An unusual book, so short. It's almost like a pamphlet promoting and introducing daily praying of the psalms, but because of Bonhoeffer's insight and authoritative manner, not to mention reputation, it becomes something more weighty. The little chapter on morning prayer is a gem.
November 3, 2024
So good.
Just a short reflection, but I write this being aware of the purpose of this book and also its scope:
As much as I love (and have been positively shaped by) Bonhoeffer's characteristically Christological reading of the Psalms, I wonder if sometimes it's overemphasized against the understanding the original intention of the Psalms and its Jewish use.
But given Bonhoeffer's cultural moment theologically—with the so-called "historical critical method" downplaying, sometimes disregarding, the divine aspect of Scripture—I think this kind of super-Christological emphasis was necessary (and perhaps we need this in our times too).
Also, Bonhoeffer's goal in this book is to show how the Psalms were Jesus' prayers and how they can be our prayers only in Christ, so of course he would show how all the Psalms are about Jesus and make sense in light of Jesus.
In any case, my reflection does not detract from the potency of this tome. I absolutely loved this short little book and would highly recommend it.
Just a short reflection, but I write this being aware of the purpose of this book and also its scope:
As much as I love (and have been positively shaped by) Bonhoeffer's characteristically Christological reading of the Psalms, I wonder if sometimes it's overemphasized against the understanding the original intention of the Psalms and its Jewish use.
But given Bonhoeffer's cultural moment theologically—with the so-called "historical critical method" downplaying, sometimes disregarding, the divine aspect of Scripture—I think this kind of super-Christological emphasis was necessary (and perhaps we need this in our times too).
Also, Bonhoeffer's goal in this book is to show how the Psalms were Jesus' prayers and how they can be our prayers only in Christ, so of course he would show how all the Psalms are about Jesus and make sense in light of Jesus.
In any case, my reflection does not detract from the potency of this tome. I absolutely loved this short little book and would highly recommend it.
July 31, 2024
Bonhoeffer guides the reader through using the Psalms as a sort of guide to enhance, strengthen, and deepen your prayer life. The Bible is such an untapped resource in so many lives, and the book of Psalms is an untapped prayer resource in the lives of many Christians. This short, easy to read book would be a helpful guide if you wanted to start using the Psalms more in your personal prayer life.
The version I read even had a short chapter at the end, giving a mini biography of Bonhoeffer's life. Very fascinating story with a heartbreaking end.
I will definitely read more of his books!
The version I read even had a short chapter at the end, giving a mini biography of Bonhoeffer's life. Very fascinating story with a heartbreaking end.
I will definitely read more of his books!
February 6, 2017
Well, it's a tiny book with only 86 pages.
But nevertheless huge in its spiritual value.....
Dietrich Bonheoffer was a Lutheran theologian/pastor, who lost his life for his faith and conviction under the national socialist regime in Germany.
He was martyred and was hanged for his faith in Flossenbürg on April 9. 1945.
His last words where:" This is the end, but for me the beginning of life".
"Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible" consists of an introduction to the Psalms, with an added biographical sketch about Bonhoeffer by his friend Eberhard Bethge .
What Bonhoeffer has to say about the Psalms, is deeply impregnated and saturated with his love to the Word of God and to Jesus. Also you can nearly touch the spirit of a martyr in its pages.
For me, the value of this book and what has fascinated me, was the fact how Bonhoeffer knows to present in a new and living way the truths he wants to convey to his readers.
So, as a result you begin to see the Psalms in a fresh manner and totally new, you can use this booklet as a devotional if you like, because Bonhoeffer doesn't transmit dry theology or mere knowledge.
For sure I have enjoyed this book very much, and it has aroused deep in me the desire to read much more from Bonhoeffer.
A book which contains and hold a fascinating magic and at the same time a love song to life in its fullest.....
I'm afraid my poor review does not match the value and importance this book really has.
I'm giving it 5 stars!!!
A wonderful little book, inspirational and enlightened...
Dean:)
But nevertheless huge in its spiritual value.....
Dietrich Bonheoffer was a Lutheran theologian/pastor, who lost his life for his faith and conviction under the national socialist regime in Germany.
He was martyred and was hanged for his faith in Flossenbürg on April 9. 1945.
His last words where:" This is the end, but for me the beginning of life".
"Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible" consists of an introduction to the Psalms, with an added biographical sketch about Bonhoeffer by his friend Eberhard Bethge .
What Bonhoeffer has to say about the Psalms, is deeply impregnated and saturated with his love to the Word of God and to Jesus. Also you can nearly touch the spirit of a martyr in its pages.
For me, the value of this book and what has fascinated me, was the fact how Bonhoeffer knows to present in a new and living way the truths he wants to convey to his readers.
So, as a result you begin to see the Psalms in a fresh manner and totally new, you can use this booklet as a devotional if you like, because Bonhoeffer doesn't transmit dry theology or mere knowledge.
For sure I have enjoyed this book very much, and it has aroused deep in me the desire to read much more from Bonhoeffer.
A book which contains and hold a fascinating magic and at the same time a love song to life in its fullest.....
I'm afraid my poor review does not match the value and importance this book really has.
I'm giving it 5 stars!!!
A wonderful little book, inspirational and enlightened...
Dean:)
August 11, 2015
I ordered this book not knowing anything about it, and was surprised, almost disappointed to find a small 80 page book. Bonhoeffer however, did not disappoint and went into great detail in how to practically pray the Psalms, and to apply them to everyday life. This book is a must read for an intro to the Psalms and the Christian life. This work has gleaming insights into what prayer is and isn't. Also, how the Old Testament agrees and points to the New Testament. Jesus is the one praying in the Psalms, and Bonhoeffer points out how every prayer in the Psalter can be seen also in the Lord's Prayer. 10/10 book. Would recommend
February 27, 2016
The chapter "The Enemies" really helped me understand how we can pray with Jesus that our enemies be directed to him, the righteous one, who forgives the sins of the world. Super helpful for those Psalms that seem so vengeful, violent and just plain antiquated- not loving our enemies like Jesus instructs in the New Testament. Now I can pray these Psalms with confidence knowing that Jesus is petitioning God alongside us to place God's wrath for sin on himself and forgive his enemies (including myself!) through his righteousness.
February 25, 2020
Bonhoeffer took on all my major questions and confusions when approaching the psalms and I received the answer: Jesus. Confused? Read the book and it will make sense. How can I pray the destruction of wicked people when I too am wicked? How can I proclaim my righteousness to God? I now know thanks to God speaking through this man. Reading the Psalms can now be such a richer part of my prayer life, and hopefully I can encourage so in my family and other community.
January 29, 2014
A very short, but good introduction to some themes in the Psalms. As usual, Bonhoeffer connects the Psalms to Jesus and shows how we can only pray them by looking at Christ. A lot of wonderful insight into how the Psalms affect our prayer life. He closes with a short exhortation to morning prayer. This book would be good to pick up every now and then to put some spiritual adrenaline back in one's prayer life.
December 29, 2021
This is a very intelligent study of Psalmodic themes and how they relate to Christ and Salvation.
The latest scholarly reconstruction of Psalms might disagree with this pamphlet by a German priest and martyred activist, yet applaude the sincerety and humility that went into its making.
Bonhoeffer is a deeply faithful lover of the Son, he show how despite being written by David and his literary agents, the Psalter is also the making of Christ in David.
The latest scholarly reconstruction of Psalms might disagree with this pamphlet by a German priest and martyred activist, yet applaude the sincerety and humility that went into its making.
Bonhoeffer is a deeply faithful lover of the Son, he show how despite being written by David and his literary agents, the Psalter is also the making of Christ in David.
December 29, 2011
This is a beautiful little introduction into the Psalms and how they teach us to pray. Bonhoeffer points always to the dual nature of Christ, of His and only His ability to teach us to pray, and the necessity of our accepting both our guilt and, through Christ's great sacrifice, our innocence - our right and the rightness of our taking everything to God.
February 9, 2014
This book was just ok. The language is beautiful and moving, but the theology is questionable in some places, and some of his arguments have shaky evidence.
March 16, 2019
Our prayer is prayer insofar as it’s joined with the prayer of Jesus.
January 22, 2021
This is a brief, concise, winsome, and Christological case for praying the Psalms as Christian prayer. Bonhoeffer interprets the Psalms as the prayer book for the church as read in light of the gospel, and particularly as interpreted and understood as subsumed and fulfilled in the spirit and form of the Lord's Prayer. I would gladly recommend this to a Christian who does not think of the Psalms (either some or all) as legitimate for the regular prayer life of God's new covenant people, and I would recommend it also to Christians who struggle with the idea of "set", "form" or "written" prayers as being truly legitimate and genuinely 'real' prayers. I enjoyed the several Luther quotes sprinkled throughout (they are Luther the gentle shepherd rather than Luther the ranting polemicist). And particularly refreshing was Bonhoeffer's "Christ first" interpretive principle, when examining Psalms of any stripe, from lament, to praise, to imprecation, etc.: ultimately they all find their centre in Jesus.
December 5, 2024
“If we want to read and to pray the prayers of the Bible and especially the Psalms, therefore, we must not ask first what they have to do with us, but what they have to do with Jesus Christ.”
A short, helpful tool to reintroduce us to the psalms. Lots of passages that challenged the way I approach prayer.
A short, helpful tool to reintroduce us to the psalms. Lots of passages that challenged the way I approach prayer.
June 26, 2023
This is a little book, but a wonderful overview of the Psalms through the lens of the Lord’s Prayer.
August 23, 2023
A profoundly written book that offers more than a shallow glance at the Psalms.
December 9, 2024
A small, delightful look at how we use the Psalms in prayer. Bonhoeffer brings his Christo-centric lens to the various poetic genres in a brief and highly accessible way.
I particularly liked the sections on the imprecatory psalms, the blessing of early morning prayer and the biographical sketch in the conclusion.
I particularly liked the sections on the imprecatory psalms, the blessing of early morning prayer and the biographical sketch in the conclusion.
December 11, 2024
I hadn’t read this in about a decade but I plan to read through it with my family in the coming year.
December 13, 2021
I think I read this at just the time I needed to. It was a balm to my soul. So many moments of God giving me His grace as I read it
September 22, 2024
An insightful and helpful perspective on the psalms
Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews