Essence of the Psalms preserves the spirit of the biblical text while recasting it in a modern idiom. The poetic styles in this work are based on those found in the sacred text. Retained are the messages of petition, praise, thanksgiving, musings, anxiety, awe, confrontation and remorse, smoldering embers of anguish, and, especially, blessings. They are filtered, moreover, through a lens ground with both the bleakness and brightness of human history. The messages point to faith in and hope for a better world by taking the Virtuous Path of God, a Path Ringed with Garlands of Goodness. There is much mystery in the biblical text. Because the rules and rhythms of the human condition are ever changing, each time one revisits the text some mystery is unraveled, new meanings are unlocked, and enlightenment unfolds. A better understanding of the storms and calms of life springs forth. Extracting the marrow of the sacred text, Essence of the Psalms is a living testimony of its vitality and relevance.
