A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society (The IVP Signature Collection)

I’m a big Peterson fan! I decided to listen to this book on a recent drive, and have since bought the print version. The Psalms have become increasingly important to me in my life. And having this resource to explore the “Songs of Ascent” was so incredibly helpful. Peterson is great at this work, and at helping connect old texts to modern stories.

I started out listening to the Audible version of this book. I was blown away and it quickly became evident that I needed to get a hard copy to enable me to read/re-read specific sections. God has used this book to speak powerfully to me. I appreciate the author’s straightforward, get-to-the-point style.I am not usually one to make notes/underline in my reading….. this book made me reach for a pen without even thinking about it. I am now working my way through the book both on Audible and the hard copy. I have re-read previous chapters and started on new ones…. I have already sent it to a few friends and have told even more about it.I can’t imagine any follower of Christ reading this book and not walking away with a deeper understanding of a what a true relationship with God looks like…. In all its mess, triumph, failure, love, and freedom. Read this book! You won’t be disappointed. (For what it is worth, I very rarely leave product reviews but felt compelled to leave one for this great book!)

As described

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction takes you in a spiritual journey that I found not only most helpful but enjoyable. God was able to speak to me not only in the Psalms but in Peterson's writings. It was a great journey.

I went through this several times over 6 months reading, listening to the audio book and a group study.The results are well worth the investment of time.

That's the hard part, Right? I've gone through rededication, re-baptism, re-consecration many times in a long life, until finally in 2009 my life collapsed into utter ruin. After a long struggle with humiliation, false pride, and hopelessness, I was finally humble enough to try reaching out to (no definition) whatever that was that was out there asking:- Please help me, help me, I cannot live life on my own... And He came, the Great Shepherd, and rescued me. This time I knew my life literally depended on "getting it right"... this time... After 4 years, I was not very happy with how things were going, I was ill and in a lot of crippling pain and was close to being completely invalid. On the internet I ran across a community of friendly folks who seemed mostly Christian and who maintained thoughtful discussion of issue of the day and gradually gave me space and validation to participate. One concerned and discerning person recommended this book as a powerful guide to a sustainable discipleship. This book is not a fiction. This book is a wise guide to living an awake, aware, loving, giving life. Here is not theory and theology, but a scripturally based guide on how practically to submit to the re-formation of my life by God. Also what to look for as signs of God's work in me. For instance:- "Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship, it a Consequence. It is not what we have to acquire in order to experience life in Christ; it is what comes to us when we are walking in the way of faith and obedience." I found it also useful as a guide to being enlightened by reading scripture for myself, not because I had to but because scripture is full of God's message to His created people on how to live. This a bedside book. A book to dip into daily to help keep refreshed on The Path. A reminder to not let this or that slip by without conscious review---Do I really want to foster That in my life?There are 16 chapters, 2 through16 could be in almost any order because it is more like a catalogue of elements , not a chronological set of prescriptions. Joy, Repentance, Hope, Perseverance are some headings to the concise but thorough chapters. There is a general tone of serenity and peace which I found helpful to calm my anxieties and fears. An en-courage-ing book.

I have been a Christian for 45 years and have read the Bible as well as many other “Christian” books. This particular book has made many things about our faith more clear. It has challenged me to change my mind and my practice. All glory be to God!

I have read numerous Peterson books, but this is my favorite. This book will dDefinitely be a re-read in the near future. What a gift to mankind!

I am beginning to lose count of how many times I have read this book over the last 10 years or so, but reckon this is probably my fourth time through. I have read it. I have read it to preach it. I have read it with a book group for an evening's discussion. And I am currently reading it with my church leadership team, a couple of chapters a month, for discussion and reflection together. Peterson is a thoughtful and thought-provoking author. This book is a study of the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120 to 134) and also a sustained reflection on themes of discipleship, all set in the context of our contemporary fascination with the temporary and instant. This is not always a straight-forward read, with rich language and challenging ideas sometimes making you read and re-read a passage. But it is full of wisdom and insight, and having now been in print for well over 30 years it is standing the test of time. Take your time with this book and you will be rewarded.

I recently heard a respected Minister friend recommend this book at a memorial service and I then downloaded it to my Kindle. I have been very much enjoying it since as a very helpful commentary on the 15 psalms of ascent.It is heart to heart stuff and very practical and I am happily recommending it to my friends.I find myself reading, re-reading and praying over what I read. Most helpful.

Just a stunning book from an accomplished author. Peterson's insights and reflections on Psalms 120-134 are outstanding.

In the Western Church - Discipleship is the weakest link left over from the rationalist era. It's no longer about convenience Church fitted into convenient slots of Sunday & maybe twice a day quiet times. It's about living the life & walking the walk - just like Jesus & the Apostles did. Eugene Peterson is hitting the nail on the head !

Easy to grasp meaning