You simply cannot go wrong with Peterson and this reprint of a classic devotional was well worth my time. The digital copy was hard to interface with tho.

I was lucky to receive a digital ARC of this book, and it’s taken me a while to review it purely because there’s so much in it! This book is about the Psalms of Ascent, and the overview that Peterson gives to each Psalm is so in depth and detailed, that I needed to sit with and chew over each one. I enjoyed reading a portion every day before bed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher, I really enjoyed this book!

This classic by Eugene Peterson is truly that…a classic for spiritual formation. I have read A Ling Obedience before, and I thoroughly enjoyed it a second time. In fact, I’d say that I got even more out of it the second time. Peterson’s depth, gentle and invitational voice, and perspective have made a huge impact on me and many others. Highly recommend this book.

Sadly I ran out of time to finish this book before it expired, but I enjoyed what I read. So much so that I will be buying myself a copy so I can continue with it.

I am so delighted to have this updated edition of A Long Obedience. Peterson was a godly, humble, non-celebrity in Christian theology and practice--one which we desperately needed. This book is for those who find themselves on the longer, winding road. It offers you movement when there is none, strength when you've run out, an oasis in the desert, and a light to chase after. I will read it again and again.

This book goes through the Songs of Ascent. Would read again and again. Peterson brings out so many aspects of life that are touched in these psalms.

An incredibly insightful and inspiring read. Peterson has a way with words unmatched by others. Peterson has an incredible love for Jesus and the wisdom of scripture and here synthesizes a book about how to follow Jesus for the long haul--in the throughs and troubles of every day life. To follow Jesus for a lifetime in the same direction is not easy, but it is the way forward to life and life everlasting. In this work, Peterson shows us well the life that leads to life and we, even in the midst of our cities and cultures, can follow Jesus and be formed by Him from beginning to end. A life and work well lived.

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene H. Peterson is a considered and inspiring exploration of Christian discipleship. Using the Psalms of Ascents-the fifteen titles numbered 120 through 134-Peterson charts for readers the spiritual journey of faith that emphasizes the need for perseverance, discipline, and spiritual growth when cultures favor immediate gratification.

Meanwhile, profound and accessible, Peterson's writing combines deep theological reflections with practical applications for everyday life. Reflections by Peterson inspire readers to adopt a long-term commitment to faith while considering it as a steady marathon, not a sprint to get quick results.

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson is a gem! I have spent this year reading a Psalm a day and journaling on a specific verse(s) that God placed on my heart for that Psalm. Then I read Peterson's book. WOW! The beautiful imagery he shares throughout the Psalms of Ascent that he reviews is absolutely breathtaking. He describes the need for us (the reader) to not just read scripture as a momentary application or tool, to check off a box for the day's devotion/quiet time, but rather as a means of soaking in His word. Peterson shares so many wonderful examples of the discipline of walking in obedience to God, such as community, patience, happiness, and more. Each Psalm is represented by a theme that is necessary to walk in our obedience to Christ. This book is very thought provoking and humbles you into understanding what it truly means to be connected to God in every way.

Thank you for InterVarsity Press and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. I had to go get a physical copy, as this book was that amazing! All opinions are my own.

This was a very insightful read for me on my own personal spiritual journey but would be hard to adapt to a traditional classroom setting. I did walk away with some meaningful lessons about my own relationship with God and appreciated a chance to explore the psalms in a deeper way.

Love that I got to read this classic! Truthfully, I didn’t get very far before it was archived. But I loved the premise- that walking with the Lord is not going to fit in well with the hustle and bustle pace of Western culture. It’s a reminder Americans will need frequently !

I'm still thinking about this book. The title is so precise a description of the Christian walk that I was excited to read. This is the latest edition of this well-loved book. Peterson's thoughtful exposition of the Psalms of Ascent & the application they have in our modern pilgrimage are so encouraging. The challenges that Israel faced in the Old Testament has much in common with our current situations. I look forward to adding this book to my own library.

Classic book, timeless message. This is one to read and re-read and share with friends. This new edition is great and will make a good gift (for yourself or your friends).

"Endurance is not a desperate hanging on but a traveling from strength to strength"

This commemorative edition is a journey into the Psalms of Ascent. As pilgrims on life's road, we need to be encouraged as we persevere toward our Goal.

"The road we travel is the well-traveled road of discipleship. It is not a way of boredom or despair or confusion. It is not a miserable groping but a way of blessing."

Published more than 40 years ago, this book still holds relevance in our current world, obsessed with the immediate and constantly focused on self-preservation. The Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) were sung by travelers on their way to worship in Jerusalem. These songs brought laser focus to growth in worship, service, joy, work, happiness, humility, community, and blessing. Aside from his translation of "The Message: The Bible In Contemporary Message", "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction" might be one of the greatest books written by Eugene H. Peterson

"And hoping is not dreaming. It is not spinning an illusion or fantasy to protect us from our boredom or our pain. It means a confident, alert expectation that God will do what he said he will do. It is imagination put in the harness of faith. It is a willingness to let God to it his way and in his time. It is the opposite of making plans that we demand that God put into effect, telling him both how and when to do it."

I have always found these particular Psalms of Ascent to be inspirational motivation, but have never taken a look at them through their distinct thematic lenses. I've prayed them. I've sung them. I've related to them. I've even memorized a couple. Through this particular dig came a resurfacing of important treasures forgotten and new ones discovered. After all, "no literature is more realistic and honest in facing the harsh facts of life than the Bible. At no time is there the faintest suggestion that the life of faith exempts us from difficulties. What it promises is preservation from all the evil in them."

I am eternally grateful to the late Eugene Petersen, Intervarsity Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to study this material in exchange for my honest review

This is a classic case of right book, wrong time. I’ve owned an older edition of this book for at least 15 years and somehow never got around to finishing it. With a digital ARC of the new commemorative edition, including remarks spoken at Peterson’s funeral by his son, Leif, I finally committed to reading this from start to finish. This has been in print for over 40 years for a reason. Peterson looks at the Psalms of Ascent (120-134) and applies these songs of pilgrimage to Jerusalem to modern-day life and discipleship. The result is a challenge to stay the course and do the slow, long work of following Jesus. Reminders of God’s faithfulness and nearness abound. Encouragement to worship and bless God overflows from the pages. And all of this comes without ignoring the arduousness of human troubles.

The bottom line: Don’t sit on this one, folks, but don’t expect any quick-fixes or easy answers. This book will call you up to the difficult but rewarding road.

This is a really helpful book for those who want to grow in their Christian faith. So often in today's culture we look for quick-fix solutions and instant results. Peterson proposes that this is not possible in discipleship but that we grow gradually over time by developing good patterns of life. In this book he uses the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120-134) as the basis for looking at some of these patterns and encouraging us in how we too can "ascend" in terms of growing closer to God and living a life that reflects him. The book contains helpful exploration of the Scriptures as well as practical advice, examples and anecdotes which help the reader see how they can live it out.

This is the 20th anniversary edition of Eugene Peterson’s book originally published in 1980. I found it very meaningful to read. In this book, Eugene Peterson walks through the 15 Songs of Ascents— Psalm 120 through 134. These songs were likely used when pilgrims came to Jerusalem for festivals. When he first wrote this book, Peterson attempted to put the Songs of Ascents into language that sounded like language people actually used in real life. You might say this book was the inspiration and first step into birthing Peterson’s later and perhaps most famous work: The Message (the New Testament version was published in 1993 and the entire Bible in 2003).

Peterson uses the Psalms as a backdrop for discussing various aspects of discipleship. Repentance, worship, service, hope, and community are some of the rich topics covered. Eugene Peterson was a pastor for many years, and this book shows his pastor’s heart— for congregants to go deeper in their walk with the Lord and with each other.

I appreciate the author’s deep love of scripture and his desire to spur his readers on in the long obedience.

HANDS DOWN THE BEST BOOK I'VE READ ALL YEAR!!!

I cannot say enough good things about this book. Whether you're new to the faith or a Christian veteran or somewhere in-between, you will learn something new that will strengthen your walk with God. You'll be encouraged, you'll find new insights and you will see the Psalms in a whole new light. This book is the perfect accompaniment for devotional times, small group studies, and persons looking for Christian living books to grow their faith. The short chapters and constant scriptural inclusion make it an easy read that is incredibly edifying and faith-filled. I can't wait to read it again.

This is my first time through this book and while it came recommended, I didn't know much about it, other than the numerous times I've heard discipleship quote as "a long obedience in the same direction." With the Psalms of Ascent (Ps 120-134) as the framework, the author describes different aspects of our discipleship. The topics ranging from worship, service, repentance, happiness and hope. I was really encouraged and I imagine it may be one I'll revisit again.

This is for the believer recognizing that discipleship is not instant, but a comprehensive, slow growth.

First published over forty years ago, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction has proven itself to be a timeless classic, with lasting words of encouragement for the Christian life.

In a world of instant gratification we can easily loose sight of what it is to hold fast and persevere in faith, when there is not an obvious reward in sight. Wonderful everyday encouragement for every Christian going through life at every stage. I like how he challenges despondency and doubt with biblical truth in a an easy to digest, conversational tone.

Opinions are my own, I received a complimentary ecopy of this book.