'Praying Psalms: A Personal Journey through the Psalter' by Ian Stackhouse (Cascade Books, 2018)

Ian Stackhouse is a pastor and an accomplished biblical scholar. In this remarkable book, he offers reflections on all 150 Psalms. It may be used as a daily devotion, in private prayer or in a discussion group.

Each page has two or three verses from the Psalm followed by a commentary on their meaning and the blessing, encouragement and wisdom they offer to the reader. At the end of each page there is a prayer thanking God for his unfailing love and faithfulness.

Reading this book was such a blessing and a good way of understanding and taking in Scripture, meditating on what God might be saying. I used it for some weeks as a daily devotional and it reminded me constantly of the love and power of God. I commend it for encouraging a deeper understanding of the Psalms – in fact I wish it had been written years ago, so I could have read it sooner!

'Praying Psalms: A Personal Journey through the Psalter' (172pp) is available online as a paperback, hardback and e-book.

'The Messenger' by TC Penman, illustrated by J Francis (Lamb and Priestly, 2018, 114pp)

Devotional poetry is not a large genre but it certainly has an enormous potential to uplift and inspire. This book contains 24 poems covering many facets of the Gospel, including the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus and how we as Christians ought to respond.

Each poem is preceded by an illustration and a related passage of Scripture, laying a foundation for what follows and encouraging the reader to ponder. There are some typographical errors, but for those attracted to the concept of the book, these are surmountable. Writer and illustrator have clearly worked together to make sure, in their words, “that God’s love for you shines out on every page”.

Some copies available on Amazon for £5.99, otherwise email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..