Most Popular Books by Eugene H. Peterson

Since Eugene Peterson first wrote this spiritual formation classic nearly forty years ago, hundreds of thousands of Christians have been inspired by Peterson''s prophetic and pastoral wisdom and the call to deeper discipleship found in the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134). This special commemorative edition includes a new preface taken from Leif Peterson''s eulogy at his father''s memorial service.

In The Pastor, author Eugene Peterson, translator of the multimillion-selling The Message, tells the story of how he started Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland and his gradual discovery of what it really means to be a pastor. Steering away from abstractions, Peterson challenges conventional wisdom regarding church marketing, mega pastors, and the church’s too-cozy relationship to American glitz and consumerism to present a simple, faith-based description of what being a minister means today. In the end, Peterson discovers that being a pastor boils down to “paying attention and calling attention to ‘what is going on now’ between men and women, with each other and with God.”

Eugene H. Peterson speaks to Christians who realize the necessity for prayer and yearn for it but who find their prayer unconvincing and unsatisfying. Addressing the causes of this dissatisfaction, Answering God offers guidelines for using the Psalms as dynamic tools for prayer.

As Eugene Peterson was writing The Message, his magnificent and popular translation of the Bible, he wanted readers to understand that forty years of living the message preceded the writing of it. The result is Living the Message, a unique daily reader that combines scriptural verses with Peterson''s classic writings on the spiritual life. Here readers are offered a daily spiritual companion that brings God''s message vividly to life. With a new foreword by the author, this classic devotional presents readers with the tools and insights they need to go beyond an ordinary faith. Peterson draws on his profound reflections on the Bible, prayer, and community to usher the reader on a path of discovering the relevancy of God''s word to our everyday lives. From the author of nearly thirty books, Peterson''s Living the Message weaves together insightful selections from some of his best works to produce a volume full of wisdom and hope. Reading this collection will endow your spiritual life with a new urgency and desire to live out your faith more fully.

Subversive Spirituality is a gathering together of articles written by Eugene Peterson over the past twenty-five years. Made up of occasional pieces, short biblical studies, poetry, pastoral readings and interviews, this book reflects on the overlooked facets of the spiritual life. Peterson captures the epiphanies of life with the pleasing pastoral style and inspiring depth of insight for which he is well known. Peterson describes his book this way: "The gathering of articles and essays, poems and conversations, is a kind of kitchen midden of my noticings of the obvious in the course of living out the Christian life in the vocational context of pastor, writer, and professor. The randomness and repetitions and false starts are rough edges that I am leaving as is in the interests of honesty. Spirituality is not, by and large, smooth. I do hope, however, that they will be found to be ''freshly phrased.''"

This colorful edition of The Message//REMIX is written in today''s language for today''s students.

The power of story as God''s word to the community of faith is never more clear than in the books of Samuel. Emotion, drama, complexity of character, and mystery fill the pages of these two biblical books. Eugene Peterson''s commentary emphasizes the resonance and interplay between these stories of kings and prophets and the social and cultural issues that concern us today. Books in the Westminster Bible Companion series assist laity in their study of the Bible as a guide to Christian faith and practice. Each volume explains the biblical book in its original historical context and explores its significance for faithful living today. These books are ideal for individual study and for Bible study classes and groups.

In a series of profound reflections on the life of Jeremiah the prophet, Eugene Peterson explores the heart of what it means to be fully and genuinely human. His writing is filled with humor and self-reflection, insight and wisdom, helping to set a course for others in the quest for life at its best.

Walk through the pages of the Bible in 90 days with a definitive voice in Christian spirituality. In this devotional, Eugene Peterson provides brief commentary and challenging thoughts designed to stir the biblical imagination and encourage even the weary believer. Life is a mixture of deep joy, heartbreaking disappointment, and hopeful dreams. We long for quick answers, yet God invites us into something far better—a dance of worship, wonder, and mystery. Discover this beautiful rhythm in Every Step an Arrival, a ninety-day devotional from the beloved translator behind the popular Message Bible and the author of spiritual classics, including Run with the Horses and A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. Eugene Peterson believes our confusion about the world comes from a lack of clarity regarding who we are and, more important, who God is. Each reading focuses on a unique facet of God’s nature or of our identity. Drawing insights and stories from a number of books in the Old Testament, Peterson stirs the imagination and encourages travel-weary readers to keep moving forward. Life is full of unexpected moments. But when we enter each day in rhythm with God, every step is an arrival.

Living Out the Word Made Flesh “Sixty years ago I found myself distracted,” Eugene Peterson wrote. “A chasm had developed between the way I was preaching from the pulpit and my deepest convictions on what it meant to be a pastor.” And so began Peterson’s journey to live and teach a life of congruence—congruence between preaching and living, between what we do and the way we do it, between what is written in Scripture and how we live out that truth. Nothing captures the biblical foundation for this journey better than Peterson’s teachings over his twenty-nine years as a pastor. As Kingfishers Catch Fire offers a never-before-published collection of these teachings to anyone longing for a richer, truer spirituality. Peterson’s strikingly beautiful prose and deeply grounded insights usher us into a new understanding of how to live out the good news of the Word made flesh. This is one man’s compelling quest to discover not only how to be a pastor but how to be a human being.

Just as God used words both to create the world and to give us commandments, we too use words for many different purposes. In fact, we use the same language to talk to each other and to talk to God. Can our everyday speech, then, be just as important as the words and prayers we hear from the pulpit? Eugene Peterson unequivocally says Yes! / Tell It Slant explores how Jesus used language he was earthy, not abstract; metaphorical, not dogmatic. His was not a direct language of information or instruction but an indirect, oblique language requiring a participating imagination slant language. In order to witness and teach accurately in Jesus name, then, it is important for us to use language the way he did. / Part 1 focuses on Jesus words in everyday contexts his teachings to the crowds, the stories he told, his conversations with his disciples. Part 2 shifts the focus to Jesus prayers the words he spoke to God the Father. / Peterson s Tell It Slant promises to deepen our understanding of Jesus words, strengthen our awareness of language as a gift of God, and nurture our efforts to make all of our speech convey a blessing to others.

In these never-before-published stories, sayings, and biblical teachings, the beloved author and translator of The Message Bible shows us how the wisdom of deep faith helps us live well. “Calming, encouraging, and profound.”—Matt Chandler, lead pastor of The Village Church “Jesus’ words bring us the news of an expanded world, a bright world, a full-dimensioned world, a world in which God rules, mercy is common experience, and love is the daily working agenda.” Eugene H. Peterson (1932–2018) was one of the most beloved authors, pastors, poets, and professors of our time. While millions have read his bestselling paraphrased Bible translation, The Message, far fewer have heard his direct practical insights and wisdom about how to live well. Eugene knew the extraordinary spirituality of ordinary life. He understood that we actually become more, not less, human as we grow to live like Jesus. And living like Jesus means living well. On Living Well collects some of Eugene’s best never-before-published short writings to help you walk in the way of Jesus with a little more courage, passion, and hope—by offering new ways to practice generosity, community, prayer, simplicity, worship, inner peace, and so much more . . . even with the challenges of today. This book is a rich feast for the soul, ideal as a daily spiritual touchpoint or simply to nourish a heart hungry for pastoral wisdom. It is your invitation to enter into the meaningful simplicity of life with Jesus in a world of immense beauty, real difficulty, and endless wonder.

Of all the characters in the Bible, it is David who is most human. His life is lived on the "rough-edged actuality" of real life, and his relationship with God is an energetic one. Through the passions, the trials, and the lyrical poetry of this beloved figure, we gain powerful insights into the role of God in our own lives. In this inspirational volume, Professor Eugene H. Peterson, translator of The Message, uses stories from David''s epic life as vivid lessons in everyday faith and spirituality. Exploring David''s experiences of friendship, grief, love, sin, and suffering, as well as sanctuary, beauty, and wilderness, he reawakens us to the enduring truths behind these beloved stories.

Grow in your faith as you meditate on the Word of God each day. Eugene Peterson, creator of The Message Bible translation (which has sold more than 20 million copies), has helped us find surprising newness in confusing or overly familiar Bible passages. God''s Message for Each Day is a year-long devotional that gathers Eugene''s best-loved, most powerful writing into a daily invitation to grow closer to God. God''s Message for Each Day, a 365-day devotional, includes: Well-chosen scripture verses Brief excerpts from Peterson''s most compelling writing from classic books, including Run with the Horses, Leap Over a Wall, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, and more Complex Bible subjects explained in clear language Ways to apply God''s truth to everyday life God''s Message for Each Day is a great gift for: Men and women alike Recent high school and college graduates Those starting a new job Anyone eager to grow in their faith Eugene Peterson''s insight and wisdom give the reader the perfect way to learn more about the Word of God in a way that''s easy to understand.

There is no question that bringing men and women to new birth in Christ is essential. But, argues Eugene Peterson, isn t it obvious that growth in Christ is equally essential? Yet the American church does not treat Christian growth and character formation with equivalent urgency. We are generally uneasy with the quiet, obscure conditions in which growth takes place. Building maturity in Christ is too often relegated to footnote status in the text of our lives. / In Practice Resurrection Peterson brings the voice of Scripture especially Paul s letter to the Ephesians and the voice of the contemporary Christian congregation together in understanding what is involved in the practice of becoming mature growing up to the stature of Christ.

Find Your Way in Scripture. Scripture is another world. One we find our way into. And one that finds its way into us. Steeped in Scripture, Eugene Peterson’s faith-filled reflections open the door. The Message Devotional Bible invites you on a journey—call it practicing resurrection, call it eating this book, or call it simply a long obedience in the same direction. From the pastor who translated the entire Bible, The Message Devotional Bible sets you on the right path—devoted not just to the Bible but to God, who, in Jesus, became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood. Open the door between Scripture and your world. From Eugene . . . Over 600 scriptural insights 52 contemplative readings Introductions to the books and genres of the Bible Plus . . . More than 400 reflection questions 9 neighborhood-themed articles

This classic resource from Eugene H. Peterson offers an indepth survey of the resurrection texts of the Gospels, helping churches to move from Easter into a transformative life as individuals and as a community.

An illuminating example of friendship as a vital way God answers our need for guidance, encouragement, affirmation, and correction. Most of the time, what we need to help us through the struggles in our lives is not the advice of an expert but the wisdom of a friend. Through this series of eloquent letters written to a life-long friend, author Eugene Peterson demonstrates friendship as a means to Christian maturity. The topics covered in this warm and highly personal correspondence are broad and varied, but one thing comes through with constancy and clarity: there is great value in a wise, experienced friend to help us see more clearly and to strengthen our growth in faith and godliness.

The Christian life calls us to be not tourists but pilgrims—disciples committed to a long journey of faith. These six studies, based on Eugene Peterson''s bestselling A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, provide an accessible guide for growing in perseverance, featuring Scripture passages, reflection questions, application ideas, and a leader''s guide.

Peterson has taken the stories and words of Jesus from the Gospels of St. John and St. Matthew and spread them across 365 days of reading, reflections, and prayer, in a series of readings that shapes the heart as it informs the intellect.

In this powerful new interpretation of the book of Revelation, the late, revered author and translator of The Message Bible offers timely insights into how we can lean into growth, not in spite of challenging times, but because of them. “Insightful and inviting . . . This is Eugene at his pastoral best.”—Rev. Dr. Glenn Packiam, associate senior pastor at New Life Church and author of Blessed Broken Given The book of Revelation is filled with angels and dragons, fantastic beasts and golden cities, bottomless pits and mysterious numbers. It’s dramatic, sure—but what exactly does that have to do with the tests we face today? Actually, a lot. When the apostle John penned the book of Revelation, believers lived in a time of deception and injustice. But his message doesn’t just reflect their cries for things to be made right; it reveals heaven’s perspective of the bigger picture. In this never-before-published work, Eugene H. Peterson traces the dramatic symbolism found in John’s letters to the seven churches, uncovering Christ’s instructions to these ancient communities. Along the way, encounter seven key tests, of our love, suffering, truth, holiness, reality, witness, and commitment, tests from Christ that can deepen our faith and even shape our future. This Hallelujah Banquet is your personal invitation to grow deep and begin living now in a generous, abundant, and hopeful reality in Christ.

Peterson''s eloquent meditation on the Revelation of St. John engages the imagination and awakens the intellect to the vitality and relevance of the last words on scripture, Christ, church, worship, evil, prayer, witness, politics, judgment, salvation, and heaven.

Find Your Way in Scripture. Scripture is another world. One we find our way into. And one that finds its way into us. Steeped in Scripture, Eugene Peterson''s faith-filled reflections open the door. The Message Devotional Bible invites you on a journey--call it practicing resurrection, call it eating this book, or call it simply a long obedience in the same direction. From the pastor who translated the entire Bible, The Message Devotional Bible sets you on the right path--devoted not just to the Bible but to God, who, in Jesus, became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood. Open the door between Scripture and your world. From Eugene . . . Over 600 scriptural insights 52 contemplative readings 9 neighborhood-themed articles Introductions to the books and genres of the Bible Plus . . . More than 400 reflection questions 9 neighborhood-themed articles

This is a bold book. It has to do with changing the life of American society, from the inside out, through "source action" of prayer. "I have written a book for Christians," says Eugene Peterson, "who want to do something about what is wrong with America and want to plunge into the center, not tinker at the edge. I have chosen eleven psalms that shaped the politics of Israel and can shape the politics of America, and I have taken them seriously...I have written to encourage Christians to pray them both as children of God with eternal destinies and as American citizens with daily responsibilities in caring for our nation." Peterson is concerned with the "unselfing" of our self-preoccupied, self-bound society through the action of praying together with other believers. He offers insightful, thought-provoking reflections on eleven select psalm-prayers that can help us overcome such things as self-centeredness, self-assertiveness, self-righteousness, self-sufficiency, self-pity, self-service, and self-love. Originally published under the title Earth and Altar and now being reprinted for wider distribution,Where Your Treasure Is provides solid fare for any thoughtful, concerned Christian. But the book is especially suitable for group study and discussion: what Peterson writes here will serve to stir small groups of Christians to pointed reflection and prayer-action.

A devotional prayer book focusing on one year with the Psalms, the most sensitive and honest words written about daily stress and daily blessings.

Peterson meets graduates where they''re living, offering solid advice, encouragement, and direction to seniors leaving home for the first time. Promises in the everyday language of "The Message" accompany prayers and thoughts on relevant topics.

The bestselling author of "The Message" challenges believers to read the Scriptures on their own terms, as God''s revelation, and to live them as they read them.

Peterson, who has been gaining a growing reputation as a "pastor''s pastor", speaks words of wisdom and refreshment for pastors caught in the busy-ness of preaching, teaching, and "running the church". Chapters include poetic reflections on the Beatitudes, advice on spiritual direction "between Sundays", and the language of prayer.

A promise book based on "The Message," a popular paraphrase of the Bible, Peterson deals with sin and promotes a healthy view of sex to help students walk through life with a better understanding of God.

The renowned Christian pastor and author of The Message and Run with Horses shares his spirituality in a very personal collection of poetry. Eugene H. Peterson had long been known as a pastor, professor, and provocateur. With his first-ever collection of verse, Peterson became known as a poet, too. Holy Luck emerged over many years, initially as individual poems sent to family, friends, and church congregations. Now, the translator of the bestselling Bible paraphrase The Message has collected his poems into three thematic sections of verses—on the Beatitudes, the kingdom of God in the ordinary, and following Jesus everyday—here released as one transcendent volume.

Biblical direction and encouragement for graduates. The Christian life is a process of becoming, and that process can begin at any time and has no point of ending in this life. Who you are today, this day, is the person Jesus invites to follow him. That said, there are transition points in every life. Graduation is such a transition point: It marks the end of one life stage and the beginning of another. The demands on your life, the complexities of your challenges, the things that bring you joy and the things that cause you stress--they''re different once you''ve moved from student life to this new season. This book helps you through that transition. It is made up mostly of the words of God--passages from the Scriptures that speak to this season of change, that point to the way of faithfulness, that anticipate and prepare you for the life ahead of you. The Word of God is a faithful guide to life, and a life with God is the best kind of life available. This book is meant to help you lean into that kind of life. Features Included: "Getting Started" Practices at the end of each chapter Topical Index for Recent Graduates The Making of the Message

Eugene Peterson''s modern paraphrase The Message: The Gospel of John brings John''s message of transforming hope and life directly to you, in today''s language.

Find Your Way in Scripture.Scripture is another world. One we find our way into. And one that finds its way into us. Steeped in Scripture, Eugene Peterson''s faith-filled reflections open the door.The Message Devotional Bibleinvites you on a journey--call it practicing resurrection, call it eating this book, or call it simply a long obedience in the same direction. From the pastor who translated the entire Bible, The Message Devotional Biblesets you on the right path--devoted not just to the Bible but to God, who, in Jesus, became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.Open the door between Scripture and your world.From Eugene . . . Over 600 scriptural insights 52 contemplative readings Introductions to the books and genres of the Bible Plus . . . Large print for relaxed, enjoyable reading More than 400 reflection questions 9 neighborhood-themed articles

Eugene H. Peterson’s never-before-published wisdom for each season of the Christian year A CHRISTIANITY TODAY AND BIRMINGHAM CHRISTIAN FAMILY MAGAZINE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR The glorious, never-dull reality of the gospel is this: Christ sets us free. All of us can be doers of the word, using the stuff of the everyday to make something to the glory of God. Long before his iconic paraphrased Bible translation, The Message, Eugene H. Peterson (1932–2018) faithfully preached for decades to the small congregation of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland. As the seasons passed, along with the accompanying fasts and feasts, Peterson faithfully revealed ways to cultivate a robust, authentic life of faith, intimacy, obedience, and joy. Now you can gain new insights into Peterson’s preaching and pastoral life through this collection of his most compelling yet never-before-published sermons. Following the calendar of the church year, from the darkness of Advent to the light of Epiphany, the wilderness of Lent to the celebration of Easter, and the fire of Pentecost to the everyday glory of ordinary time, these remarkable sermons point to the eternity beyond our experience of time. With his trademark wit and wisdom, Peterson shows how to pursue a “long obedience in the same direction” through all the seasons, colors, and rhythms of our lives.

A way of sacrifice. A way of failure. A way on the margins. A way of holiness. All of these ways prepared the "way of the Lord" that became incarnate and complete in Jesus. But somewhere along the line, have we lost the way? In The Jesus Way Eugene Peterson continues his conversation in spiritual theology, considering all the ways that Jesus is the Way compared to the distorted ways the American church today has chosen to follow. BJ Arguing that the way Jesus leads and the way we follow are symbiotic, Peterson begins with a study of how the ways of those who came before Christ - Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah, Isaiah of Jerusalem, and Isaiah of the Exile - revealed and prepared the "way of the Lord" that became complete in Jesus. He then challenges the ways of the contemporary American church, showing in stark relief how what we have chosen to focus on - consumerism, celebrity, charisma, and so forth - obliterates what is unique in the Jesus way.