Praise Habit: Finding God In Sunsets And Sushi

Book Description

David Crowder redefines your perspective of a God beyond imagination and helps you develop a habit of praising Him by reflecting on targeted psalms from The Message//Remix.

Customer Reviews:

Great way to start a conversation about Christianity.......2007-05-29

If you are a youth or young adult and you are looking for a light book to pass on to a non Christian (or wavering Christian) friend, this is it. It's also a good book for any Christian who likes a good read. The writing style is unique and often humorous. It reads like journal entries so don't expect perfect grammer (complete sentences). I only say this because the only one star rating mentions this. If you check his profile, you will notice many of his reviews are negative though so I don't know how trustworthy a reviewer he is for the under 30 crowd. I, however, work with youth group at church, lead the young adults ministry, am an adolescent counselor, and am actually under 30. Therefore, I think I have a pretty good grip on what this age group likes. I have many friends who have read this book (ages 16-27) and not one of them has disliked it. I think that says a lot. It makes you think, and gives you the opportunity to discuss your faith with others in an open and honest way. Isn't that all that really matters in the end?

GOD, brilliant Lord, yours is a household name........2007-04-27

"Let the knowledge of His transcendence bring us back to life. Let it flow like blood to sleeping limbs, and feel them tingle as they awake in awe. Shake life back into your legs and let them carry you running with wind and thunder. Shake life back into your chest and let your heart beat in pounding reverence. Let praise come face to the ground, trembling with life an awareness that we are found by a holy God."
- pg. 70, on Psalm 29

This book for me was absolutely breathtaking. In it, Crowder uses the ancient practice of "Lectio Divina", which he later explains. This method consists of reading Scripture not to try and pull things out of it, but rather slowly reading through a passage of Scripture, chewing it up, and just being quiet and meditating on what you just heard. Breathe it in slowly, absorb the perfume of God's Word, let it settle in on you. Then, after some time, when settled, write your own response.

Crowder examines 21 different Psalms from the Old Testament (starting w/ Ps. 1 and ending w/ Ps. 150) in Lectio Divina style. In each of these very short chapters, he starts by writing the Psalm for the reader. All Psalms are taken from Eugene Peterson's "The Message Remix". This was for me reading these 21 Psalms in a new light than ever before. And the view was breathtaking. (I'm buying a Psalm book in "The Message" now, because I was so taken aback.)

After the Psalm, the reader will find Crowder's own "lectio divina" on that Psalm. Crowder is an extremely unique writer and an amazing communicator. I have included a quote from his Psalm 29 "lectio divina" at the top of the post. Crowder will start off talking about something in his life that seems totally unrelated to the Psalm itself; meeting Richard Simmons, taking up photography, his childhood desire for a nickname, going to the bathroom, his own short term memory, the childhood bully, all kinds of stuff. But by within the next few pages he's turned it around into something grand, something magnificent, a breathtaking view of the Psalm. He discusses individual and corporate worship, the name of Yahweh, the transcendence of our God, His amazing love, his vast creativity, hope in the midst of despair, God's glory, and on and on.

In the beginning of the book, Crowder discusses that his purpose is to help the reader understand the "praise habit". How, just like a little kid finding a toy who can't help but hold it up triumphantly and show the world his new prise, praise for our God should flow forth uninterrupted from our lives. How we find God in the pew at church, in the Bible at home, and in a chicken sandwich at Arby's. God is here among His people.

In this book you will laugh out loud at Crowder's humor, raise your eyebrows at his unexplainable (self-admitted) quirkiness, and wonder at his truly amazing ability to communicate the God of the universe to the human soul.

Does a nun have to decide what to wear in the morning? No, she just puts on her habit... day in, and day out. And so should we, our Praise Habit, until it becomes "habit"ual.

On the back cover is a reference to Psalm 64:10; "... Good-hearted people, make praise your habit." There's a brief, three paragraph synopsis of the book, starting out, "Praise is something we are, not something we do." This first of Crowder's books is, on the back cover, recommended by Donald Miller ("Blue Like Jazz", "To Own A Dragon", "Through Painted Desserts") and Brian McLaren (pastor, author of "A New Kind of Christian", voice for the today's emergent church).

I recommend this book as one of the best you'll ever read. I would also encourage you to check out his second book, "Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven, but Nobody Wants to Die, or (The Eschatology of Bluegrass)".

praiseworthy!.......2007-03-09

i bought this book and everybody wants to go to heaven.. at the same time, this is my fave by far. it's one of those books you know you'll read over and over. in fact, i have to re-buy it because i gave it to my pal for her birthday! it's very easy to read, very personal, i like the personal recollections that david included. i would definitely recommend this book.

For a casual fan, a good read.......2007-01-18

David Crowder tackles the topic of praise in a very readable and interesting manner in 'Praise Habit'. THe topic of worship and how verbal, sung praise fits into worship, and whether or not it is a fluffy or necessary part of Christianity is a hot topic, and Crowder makes a strong argument for singing praise to be a part of our lifestyle, that we have to glorify God the way religious wear their habit--it has to be a visible sign of our commitment to Christ.

The only thing I didn't like about this book was that about half of it was just psalms with reflections, and Crowder uses "The Message: Remix" translation, which I can't stand. This is probably just a personal dislike, and the rest of the book is great.

Enjoyable devotional if a little flat in spots........2006-12-15

Praise Habit by David A. Crowder is a nice devotional about finding God in everyday places where we don't normally look for him. Crowder does a terrific job of reminding us why it's so important to praise God in all things. Each chapter starts with a Psalm from The Message Bible. The language is very modern; it can occasionally be off-putting, but for the most part brings new depth to the verses. After the Psalm, Crowder gives the reader a short anecdote, usually humorous, about events in his own life. Where the book stumbles is in the connecting of the Psalms to these stories. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn't. I didn't connect with this book the way that I like to with a devotional, but it was still an enjoyable read.

Prayer, Praise & Promises: A Daily Walk Through the Psalms

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A must for your devotional collection

Prayer, Praise & Promises: A Daily Walk Through the Psalms
Warren W. Wiersbe
Manufacturer: Back to the Bible Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0847407012

Customer Reviews:

A must for your devotional collection.......2007-01-03

Warren Wiersbe has been one of my favorite teachers over the years. This daily walk through the Psalms is an excellent addition to your morning devotion time. I began this study last Fall because I couldn't wait until January. I find myself making notes in my Bible as I read his messages and remembering the teachings throughout the day. If you love the Psalms as I do, you will want to purchase this for a more intimate study.

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Praise and Lament in the Psalms
Claus Westermann
Manufacturer: Westminster John Knox Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0804217920

Wisdom from the Psalms : Daily Thoughts and Meditations

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Wisdom from the Psalms: Daily Thoughts and Meditations
wisdom from the psalms

Wisdom from the Psalms : Daily Thoughts and Meditations
Dan R. Dick
Manufacturer: Barbour Publishing, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Imitation Leather

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Devotionals | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1557480265

Customer Reviews:

Wisdom from the Psalms: Daily Thoughts and Meditations.......2001-09-03

My mother recommended this book to me. Before I got this book I had good days and bad days but since I started reading this book every morning before the start of my day and it has made my days go great. 'Wisdom from the Psalms' has helped me put things into perspective and inspires me to appreciate my life as it is. If you feel lost, lack inspiration, and need to feel better about your life this book is a must. It not only strengthens your spirit but it reaffirms even the shakiest bond with God. I have shared this book with a friend who is dealing with the passing of one of her children and it has made a world of a difference for her. You owe it to yourself to check this book out.

wisdom from the psalms.......2000-04-21

Daily meditations. Daily thought. A must have.

Israel's Praise: Doxology Against Idolatry and Ideology

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Israel's Praise: Doxology Against Idolatry and Ideology
Walter Brueggemann
Manufacturer: Augsburg Fortress Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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Theology | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0800620445

Psalms: Reading and Studying the Book of Praises

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Psalms: Reading and Studying the Book of Praises
W. H. Bellinger
Manufacturer: Hendrickson Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0943575354

Book Description

"The Study of the Old Testament Psalter has undergone great changes during the twentieth century in an effort to recover a fuller awareness of their original setting and purpose . . . Bellinger's book admirably fulfils the task of exploring the many insights of modern scholarship on the psalms in order to clarify the faith to which they bear witness. It does this by showing the real-life situations which occasioned the formulation of prayers of complaint and praise, opening up a warm sense of the humanity and faith which they nurtured. Readers will find a great richness of scholarship here set out in vigorous and exciting language to make plain that the psalter retains a powerful challenge for the present day. These psalms explore the whole range of human experience and provide a vehicle by which faith can become articulate and sharply focused, even when faced with pain and doubt. The sheer honesty of these prayers challenges contemporary complacency."
Â—Ronald E. Clements, Professor of Old Testament Studies, King's College, University of London

"Bellinger has created an excellent primer for the Psalms . . . I like his use of examples in each section and his references in each chapter to what has gone before."
Â—Victor Matthews, Professor of Religious Studies, Southwest Missouri State University

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Praise: A Matter of Life and Breath
Ronald Barclay Allen
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Old Testament | Commentaries | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) | Sacred Writings | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0840757336

Average customer rating:

In this book children learn the joy of praising God.

Everybody, Shout Hallelujah!: Verses from the Psalms on Praise (Murphy, Elspeth Campbell. David and I Talk to God.)
Elspeth Murphy
Manufacturer: Chariot Family Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Christianity | Religions | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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Sometimes I Get Lonely (Murphy, Elspeth Campbell. David and I Talk to God.)

What Can I Say to You God (David and I talk to God)

God Cares When I Need to Talk to Somebody (Murphy, Elspeth Campbell. God's Word in My Heart, 8.)

ASIN: 0891913696

Customer Reviews:

In this book children learn the joy of praising God........1999-08-14

This is a beautiful book, written using verses from the psalms on praise in a language children can understand. The child in the story has just learned the joy of praising God and teaches your children this joy by example in her talk with God. Even though this book is written for a little bit older children, my two year old loves it and asks us to read it daily. It should go back in print. I'd love to buy it for every little one I know.

Psalms: A Guide to Prayer and Praise (Bible Study Guides)

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Psalms, A Guide to Prayer and Praise

Psalms: A Guide to Prayer and Praise (Bible Study Guides)
Ronald Klug
Manufacturer: Shaw
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0877886997
Release Date: 2000-03-07

Book Description

Cultivate an Intimate Relationship with God

The Psalms are some of the most widely read and best-loved portions of the Bible. For thousands of years these songs of faith have spoken to the hearts and minds of people around the world. The Psalms are songs–music our spirits sing to the Creator. They are poems–full of vibrant imagery and strong rhythms. And they are prayers–our deepest emotions expressed to the Lord who feels with us. Most importantly, the Psalms are God’s Word to us, revealing the truth about him and our relationship with him.

In these studies, Ron Klug leads us into an exploration of the Psalms and the intimate knowledge that can grow between people and their Creator. Through literary insights and thought-provoking questions, Klug invites you to enjoy and study these songs of praise, lament, thanksgiving, and trust.

Customer Reviews:

Psalms, A Guide to Prayer and Praise.......2006-11-04

It was very useful in helping me put together a study of the Psalms for an adult Sunday School class.

Flames to Heaven: New Psalms for Healing & Praise

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Perlman's Psalms offer solace, joy and strength

Flames to Heaven: New Psalms for Healing & Praise
Debbie Perlman
Manufacturer: Rad Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0964457059

Customer Reviews:

Perlman's Psalms offer solace, joy and strength.......1999-08-12

This book of new psalms delivers everything it promised. I was deeply moved by Perlman's exceptional use of the language to express a broad range of human experience in a spiritual context. Her words elevate my prayers to a new level of awareness and connectedness. I feel more human, more alive, more fragile and yet more invincible since I got this book.

The psalms cover many life situations, birth to death and much that lies between. The words are neither syrupy nor dull, often striking an exquisite balance of everydayness with spiritual fire. These small bundles are a tremendous gift that has improved my relationship with my God. I cannot recommend it too highly.

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