Danny Recommends: Psalms in Six Months
Every so often we dip our toes into a series called Danny Recommends:, posts that tip you off to the stuff that I…you know. The recommendations might be products for use in your ministry, resources that will help you develop leaders around you, or just fun stuff that you need. Want. Whatever. I have a full list of recommended books and such over at the Reading List, but these posts will go into further detail. For other posts in the series, check out the link at the bottom.
It’s that time of the year when church people start getting antsy about next year’s Bible reading plan. Because if we don’t, we miss the enchanted wonders of Leviticus by January 28, and also the not-so-enchanted I wonder what I just read? and giving up in a fit of head-scratching confusion by February 2.
I digress.
Last year, I felt like I bit off too big of a chunk when it came to Bible reading. This year, I headed the opposite direction and went for quality rather than quantity. I decided to meander my way through Psalms over the course of six months. Doing so meant I had some days where the sum total of my quiet time was two verses (hello Psalm 117), while other Psalms required a week to get through (what’s up 119).
Reducing the amount I was reading each day – the max I read was never more than 25ish verses at a time – forced me to spend a little more time working through the scripture. (Or better yet, letting it work through me.) I usually went back through the text several times to try to wring out meaning, and then spent time praying through that text.
But never one to reduce my reading cold turkey, I also sought out a devotional guide through the Psalms. A friend suggested this list, including everyone from C.S. Lewis to Eugene Peterson, and I ultimately settled on Dane Ortlund’s In the Lord I Take Refuge (spoiler: you should get it).
By the time I reached Psalm 150 at the end of June, I’d enjoyed it so much that I went back for round two. And now, I’m recommending “Psalms in Six Months” as a potential plan for you next year.
So here’s the challenge: download one of the plans below (Jan-Jun if you’re reading this in real time, Jul-Dec if you’ve stumbled across this in mid summer), and order a devotional guide to go with it. I think you’ll find your quiet times richer when you force yourself to slow down and savor.
Download Psalms in six months (Jan-Jun)
Download Psalms in six months (Jul-Dec)
Order In the Lord I Take Refuge.
See all posts in the Danny Recommends: series.
Disclaimer: FTC watchdogs will probably want to know that the vendors listed / linked above did not ask for this endorsement, nor did they provide me with free swag in order to do so. I’m just a really satisfied fan who wants to let you know about helpful things. Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you purchase an item. If that bugs you, feel free to bypass my link…but still buy the thing. I only promote items that have benefited me and that I believe will benefit you. So there.
