Psalms Now

“Isobel de Gruchy is a very talented poet whose artistry and way with words shines through these pages. Her paraphrase of these ancient Psalms is both timely and beautiful, as well as inspiring and informative. So sit back in your favorite chair, read them, pray them. Linger on the psalms that fit your own life and needs at the moment. And let them speak to your heart.”


—Sandra M. Levy-Achtemeier, University of Pittsburgh





“Seeking to better understand these ancient prayers, Isobel de Gruchy set out to paraphrase the Psalms in language that would be both faithful to the text and could become her own. She offers us the fruit of that careful work—be it an unexpected turn of phrase or words that pierce with clarity. Psalms Now will be a welcomed companion to anyone wishing to deepen their prayer and worship with words at once old and new.”


—Jennifer M. McBride, McCormick Theological Seminary





“In these beautifully crafted paraphrases of the Psalms, Isobel de Gruchy invites us to hear her own struggle and to engage with our own journey of sense-making with God. Well-known words suddenly invite closer attention. Her work is poetry in its own right, filled with jewels of new metaphor. Isobel reminds us that we are never finished with the text and the God beyond the text.”


—Lisel Joubert, University of Stellenbosch





“Psalms Now offers a fresh and insightful new rendering of the Psalms, providing new perspectives in clear but poetic language. A wonderful companion to the traditional translations.”


—Elizabeth Norton-Amor, teacher and retreat director