Honesty with God

I grew up in a Christian home, and my late Grandmother would always tell us to read the Psalms, that if there is any book in the Bible that has something to say in relation to any situation we encounter, then the Psalms was it.
Reading this reminded me of how this is true, and I love the approach the author took in explaining the various chapters of the Psalms and even delving into the situations that David was experiencing as he wrote most of the verses. This is an encouraging book for any Christian looking to open up to God, to establish moments where they seek an audience with God.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

Inspirational non-fiction book on the book of Psalms. Highly recommended and wonderfully written.book: Honesty with God: Learning to pray from the Book of Psalms. Especially enjoyed learning about the book of Psalms, the writers, and the history.

I absolutely love a good devotional and this one did not disappoint. The journey through the Psalms was a perfect way to start my day. I will definitely be recommending this to my other Christian friends. I loved the layout of this devotional; the flow was really nice. The content was also very insightful!

Thank you NetGalley and Daily Bread publishing company for the eARC of this heartfelt piece of prayer helpfulness. I will forever happily recommend this book to anyone who struggles with praying and constantly has questions and anxiety about praying to the God who created this vast universe. This book takes a psalm each chapter and uses it to give answers to some of the burning prayer questions one may have. Happy reading!! (Eventually - I believe this book comes out in September.)

In "Honesty with God," Dan Schaeffer helps readers to discover the freedom to talk openly with God by uncovering the raw, real prayers of the psalmists. Schaeffer shows how the psalmists were not afraid to express their true emotions to God, even the negative ones. He offers that this honesty is actually essential for a healthy relationship with God.

2.5 stars
This study book on Psalms had the potential to be so good but wow
the author's own views on the current culture got in the way of his study on multiple occasions. He gets a little long-winded at times, as well. He has provided some really good study material as long as the reader sticks to the study.

His personal views on cancel culture, busy restaurant servers ignoring people, among other examples nearly made me put the book down. I truly wish authors would write a good quality study without all the extra stuff. I don't need / want the author's views on life.

I do not recommend this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.

I enjoyed this book. It is helpful when you are trying to talk to God and you just dont know what to say because you have so much to say. I just reviewed Honesty with God by Dan Schaeffer. #HonestywithGod #NetGalley
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Honesty with God by Dan Schaeffer is not quite what I expected. I thought it would be a commentary on each of the individual Psalms. While many of the Psalms and verses are used in this book it is not that kind of a commentary as such. Still it is an informative and interesting look at the Psalms, especially the emotions expressed by the writers. From those scriptures we can see ways in which we too can depend on God, talk to Him, and trust Him in every situation of life.

Many personal anecdotal accounts are given with ways that God was real in those people’s lives. That was interesting causing one to search their own lives to see the hand of God. Also there are questions at the end of each chapter that are thought provoking. This book gives much food for thought as we each continue to learn to pray.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a complimentary digital copy. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, my personal opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the spiritual gift of reading this beautiful book.
The Psalms are Old Testament writings; however, they are so timely to our lives and our world today, no matter the season of our lives or the times we are in and of the world.
They are are life guides, these Psalms, and Dan Schaeffer's honest and open writing draws us into the depths of what they really mean. With that, there is a natural progression of prayer practice and the desire to reflect deeper into the psalms. Often, I will simply let my bible's pages fall open and 99% of the time, the pages fall to the Psalms. Every single time, what is on the page is exactly what I need.
All of Dan's beautifully written book was/is exactly what I need. May you be blessed as you turn each page, and find the safety net of our God there. Find the Psalms and God will find you right there - and the meeting is life changing. Thank you, Dan, for making the journey even more beautiful.

Each chapter of this book is structured around a different Psalm. It explores the universal emotional themes we see in these ancient prayers, and how we can apply them to our lives today. I would recommend reading it, as I did, with a Bible, notebook and pen close at hand. I do have some personal theological differences with the author. As someone who mostly subscribes to a Christus victor view of atonement, I did butt up against the author’s repeated emphasis on a penal substitutionary atonement view. However, there is enough wisdom in this book that I would not hesitate to recommend it to a friend. I think it would be particularly useful for someone going through a hard time or for those who are still uncomfortable with the idea of lament. This book is accessible and reader-friendly, and has inspired me to journey more deeply into the Psalms. Overall, it was a great read!

Yes, yes, yes! A God who has knit us together and knows the desires of our hearts…I love how this reminds the reader of the privilege it is not have a relationship with our loving Father and Creator and Sustainer of our universe.

A honest exploration of the book of Psalms filled with interesting anecdotes and ample resources for personal/group Bible study! Readable and rewarding!

Received a copy from Netgalley for an honest review. The author covers many points in the christian life and how to enrich your walk with God. Very thought provoking. Would recommend.

I really enjoyed how pastoral, Christological, and practical this book was. In particular, the sections helping us to see Jesus in the specific Psalms being highlighted, paired with an encouragement to base one's personal prayers around that particular Psalm. This would be a helpful introduction to the overall spirit of the Psalms and why they should be part of our prayer life.

Title: Honesty with God: Learning to Pray from the Psalms
Author: Dan Schaeffer
Genre: Christian Living, Prayer, Spirituality

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

Review:

"Honesty with God: Learning to Pray from the Psalms" by Dan Schaeffer is a profound and insightful guide to deepening one's prayer life by drawing inspiration from the Psalms. With a thoughtful and introspective approach, the author explores the timeless wisdom found in the Psalms, teaching readers how to approach prayer with authenticity and honesty.

Dan Schaeffer's writing style is thoughtful and accessible, making complex spiritual concepts easily understandable for readers of all backgrounds. The book's structure, using the Psalms as a framework for each chapter, allows for a comprehensive exploration of various prayer styles and emotions, making it applicable to a wide range of readers.

The core theme of "Honesty with God" centers on the importance of genuine and transparent communication with the Divine. The Psalms serve as a treasure trove of emotions, ranging from joy and gratitude to despair and lament. Dan Schaeffer encourages readers to embrace their own vulnerabilities and present their authentic selves to God in prayer.

Throughout the book, the author shares personal anecdotes and stories from biblical characters, illustrating how prayer has been a source of solace, guidance, and transformation throughout history. These stories serve as inspiring examples, helping readers understand how prayer can be a powerful tool for growth and healing.

One of the strengths of "Honesty with God" lies in the practical exercises and reflection questions provided at the end of each chapter. These encourage readers to apply the insights from the Psalms to their own lives, fostering a deeper connection with God and a richer prayer experience.

Moreover, the book strikes a balance between addressing the challenges of prayer and offering hope and encouragement. It acknowledges that prayer is not always easy and that doubt and questions are part of the human experience. However, it also assures readers that embracing honesty with God can lead to a profound sense of peace and trust.

While "Honesty with God" is a valuable resource for individuals seeking to deepen their prayer life, some readers may find the theological interpretations to be subjective, reflecting the author's personal perspective. However, this does not diminish the overall value of the book, as readers are encouraged to engage with the material critically and thoughtfully.

In conclusion, "Honesty with God: Learning to Pray from the Psalms" is an enriching and enlightening exploration of prayer through the lens of the Psalms. Dan Schaeffer's thoughtful insights and practical guidance make this book a valuable companion for anyone seeking a more meaningful and honest connection with God through prayer. Recommended for readers of all spiritual backgrounds who wish to enhance their prayer life and cultivate a deeper relationship with the Divine.

Honesty With God was such a treat to read. There were so many times I wanted to highlight what I was reading because I found it so insightful. Dan Schaeffer did a great job making the sections for each chapter. I generally don’t read non fiction because it gets a bit dense and to me, boring. This however was useful for my lifestyle and easy to navigate. The questions at the end of each chapter were also great to think on. I do wish the reflection questions at the end of the book were just at the end of the chapter since there are already questions there. Overall, a wonderful use of my time!

Thank you so much to Our Daily Bread and NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Honesty with God was a wonderful read. As someone who adores the book of Psalms, I loved this book. Each chapter of this book is structured around a different Psalm. As readers dive in, It explores the universal emotional themes we see in these ancient prayers, and how we can apply them to our lives today. This book was wonderfully written!

Schaeffer writes with clear, approachable language. There is so much goodness in this book, and so much to unpack. Some of what the author writes is an application from modern-day concepts to help explain or further describe the Psalmist's perspective. This is a rich, applicable look at the Psalms.