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A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society Hardcover – Special Edition, May 11, 2021

by Eugene H. Peterson (Author), Leif Peterson (Preface)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,682 ratings
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Since Eugene Peterson first wrote this spiritual formation classic nearly forty years ago, hundreds of thousands of Christians have been inspired by its call to deeper discipleship. As a society, we are still obsessed with the immediate; new technologies have only intensified our quest for the quick fix. But Peterson's time-tested prescription for discipleship remains the same―a long obedience in the same direction.Following Jesus in this way requires a deepening life of prayer, and throughout history Christians have learned to pray from the Psalms. Peterson finds encouragement for today's pilgrims in the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134), sung by travelers on their way to worship in Jerusalem. With his prophetic and pastoral wisdom, Peterson shows how the psalms teach us to grow in worship, service, joy, work, happiness, humility, community, and blessing.This special commemorative edition of A Long Obedience in the Same Direction includes a new preface taken from Leif Peterson's eulogy at his father's memorial service.

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  1. Print length
    220 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    IVP
  4. Publication date
    May 11, 2021
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.9 x 8.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0830846611
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0830846610
  8. See all details
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a long obedience in the same direction,eugene peterson,christian classics,best books christian life
a long obedience in the same direction,eugene peterson,christian classics,best books christian life

"I've never read a book by Eugene Peterson that didn't stir and challenge me."

-- Max Lucado, author of In the Grip of Grace

a long obedience in the same direction,eugene peterson,christian classics,best books christian life

"If, like me for twenty years, you find it hard to get into the Psalms, that is another reason to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest this brilliant book."

-- J. I. Packer, author of Knowing God

a long obedience in the same direction,eugene peterson,christian classics,best books christian life

"A long obedience is the only path of discipleship to Jesus, and this is a message we desperately need to hear and implement today."

-- Dallas Willard, author of The Divine Conspiracy

a long obedience in the same direction,eugene peterson,christian classics,best books christian life

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I've never read a book by Eugene Peterson that didn't stir and challenge me." -- Max Lucado, author of In the Grip of Grace

"I thank God for A Long Obedience. It is a pioneer message, first coming to us at a time when no one was talking about either 'long' or 'obedience.' And while, thankfully, others have added their voices in the intervening years, A Long Obedience retains its prophetic edge for us who live on the cusp of the twenty-first century. Rooted in the ancient psalmist's Songs of Ascents it invites us to journey with Jesus into the rich spiritual landscape of 'righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.'" -- Richard J. Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline and Streams of Living Water

"There is a clean, bright rigor to honest life before God. Burnishing the language of the Psalms, Eugene Peterson makes that life sing like a taut wire. A long obedience is the only path of discipleship to Jesus, and this is a message we desperately need to hear and implement today." -- Dallas Willard, author of The Divine Conspiracy

"Into a world that does its best to deceive us into believing that everything changes, God speaks his unchanging Word. Ours is a time and a world that needs to hear in fresh ways all that that Word might mean if we would only listen. Eugene has listened. In this book he tells us all that he has heard about those fixed facets of that unchanging Word." -- Michael Card, recording artist

"All of the marks of a classic―profound, timeless, life-impacting." -- Leith Anderson, author of Leadership That Works

"Words are weapons for good or ill, and Eugene H. Peterson uses them to wield the sword of Scripture to pierce our minds and hearts. He is one of God's most gifted wordsmiths, and we are privileged to have his work among us. . . . I have constantly used his writings and concepts in my ministry; putting them to use in drama, teaching, and books, and they have hugely enhanced my own gifting. Not least, those words have had a sweet influence in my own 'obedience in the same direction'! I am honored to endorse this Christian classic." -- Jill P. Briscoe, author of Running on Empty

"Eugene Peterson's special gift is to stand beside us and keep our feet on the ground as he lifts our hearts to God and our minds to godliness. A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, which does this stunningly well, is also the best pathway into the Psalter you are likely to find. If, like me for twenty years, you find it hard to get into the Psalms, that is another reason to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest this brilliant book." -- J. I. Packer, author of Knowing God

"Every day contemporary culture invites me to rush about in a hundred different directions that tear at my soul. I have found Eugene Peterson to have no patience for such crazed busyness. Instead he shows me how to stay focused on the long, biblical direction home to God." -- Craig Barnes, author of When God Interrupts

"A Long Obedience in the Same Direction participates in a vital literary and theological tradition: the power of a particular text, in this case the fifteen Songs of Ascents, to release the highly original―that is to say, explosive―meditation of a profound Christian spirit. . . . These provocative meditations delivered this true evangelist into the Christian world and gave us a literary, spiritual guide whose wisdom and clear-sightedness can always be trusted. . . . Now that A Long Obedience has been complemented by Eugene's own translation of the Psalms into today's idiom, its contemporary testimony stands complete and virtually unrivaled. I would give this book to anyone who truly wanted to know what the Christian faith is about and to anyone attempting to live that faith as well." -- Harold Fickett, author of Holy Fool

"A wonderful book, one of the very best guides to the Psalms. Peterson's combination of passion and insight match the psalmists'. And he is very nearly as good a writer!" -- Tim Stafford, author of Knowing the Face of God

"It has been said in today's instant society that evangelism has never been easier―it's discipleship that has never been harder. Eugene Peterson not only instructs us in his considerable wisdom about authentic discipleship, he helps us see the passion and excitement of living lives fully devoted to Jesus. And with the current torrent of interest in spirituality, his guidance on what constitutes genuine spirituality is pure gold." -- Rebecca Manley Pippert, author of Out of the Saltshaker

"Bind this book in the burlap of servanthood: a course in the weak times, a celebration in the strong! Twenty years ago I first read this tolle lege book. Now it is a well-read friend who looks down from my Peterson shelf and daily asks: Are you faithful long-term? Are you going always in the same direction?" -- Calvin Miller, author of The Singer Trilogy

Review

"Bind this book in the burlap of servanthood: a course in the weak times, a celebration in the strong! Twenty years ago I first read this tolle lege book. Now it is a well-read friend who looks down from my Peterson shelf and daily asks: Are you faithful long-term? Are you going always in the same direction?"

-- Calvin Miller, author of The Singer Trilogy

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ IVP; Commemorative edition (May 11, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 220 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0830846611
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0830846610
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 28.9 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,682 ratings

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  1. Eugene H. Peterson

    Eugene H. Peterson

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    Peterson, now retired, was for many years James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He also served as founding pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland. In addition to his widely acclaimed paraphrase of the Bible, The Message (NavPress), he has written many other books.

    See more on the author's page
  2. W. E. Pete Peterson

    W. E. Pete Peterson

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
1,682 global ratings
Move Your Heart and Mind Towards God
5 Stars
Move Your Heart and Mind Towards God
How can we go deeper with God in prayer? What effect will this have in our daily lives? In A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, Eugene Peterson explores and explains what true discipleship looks like in an instant society.Songs of AscentsRecently re-released as the latest installment in The IVP Signature Collection, Peterson’s classic is a significant work on spiritual formation. By looking at Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134), Peterson highlights different areas for Christian growth.What impressed me the most was how Peterson stays relatable throughout the book. He acts as a guide, but also as one who understands the struggles, disappointments, and discomforts that come with Christian living. He is also steadfast in hope, stirring his readers on to love and good works, and encouraging us to cling to the Gospel of Christ.Move Your Heart and Mind Towards GodWhat stood out to me was the way Peterson describes the way God works in our lives as we seek to grow in Him. Certainly, there is work that must be done. But Peterson is quick to acknowledge that God gives the growth. Chapters are dedicated to Providence and Perseverance. Cultivating and nurturing are words Peterson uses to describe our Christian walk. And it all comes from a place of grace.This book is best read slowly as a devotional. Peterson uses his own translation of The Message Bible throughout, and it is clear that he chose his words to be easily understood. While I don’t use The Message in my Bible reading, I appreciate and admire Peterson’s wisdom shared in each chapter. He is wonderful with words, and he will move your heart and mind towards God.I received a media copy of A Long Obedience in the Same Direction and this is my honest review.
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Top reviews from the United States

Larry
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2024
Verified Purchase
This book has touched the hearts of many. The roots of Christian faith come alive via The Song of the Ascent Psalms. This saint explains how these psalms are relevant today by breathing eternal life into the believer.
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Bootsie
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2024
Verified Purchase
My pastor recommended it. Had no idea that it was an easily understandable description of the 15 "Songs of the Ascent." Now I have a better idea of how to read and interpret psalms.
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Alexander Kathawa
5.0 out of 5 stars Full of straightforward truth
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2023
Verified Purchase
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!)
22 people found this helpful
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The Good Doctor
4.0 out of 5 stars A sturdy companion for a significant pilgrimage
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2013
Verified Purchase
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is essentially a companion to the Psalms of Assent (120-134). This is my second sojourn into with Dr. Peterson, my first being “Run with the Horses”. The book is a solid read from a man who has an obvious love of God, people and language. To these ends, Dr. Peterson is consistently warm, wise and thoughtfully prosaic, and his books seem to work best for me when read in conjunction with the scriptures in question. He adroitly finds the both the beauty and application in each psalm and its place in the overall continuity God desires for His children.

As a human being, the Psalms speak very personally to me, and my life has been more personally transformed by passages/verses memorized from the Psalms than any other book. That being written, the only restriction Peterson faces here is that Psalmist often revert to more boiler plate Hebrew, which makes the Psalms awesomely accessible but sometimes more humanly valuable than valuable literature. And Peterson seems to be at his best when his material is arguably a bit more substantial, like Jeremiah. Nonetheless, I always look forward to reading the scriptures alongside Dr. Peterson, as he help keep my eyes on the horizons of God. I can reccomend this book without reservation.
4 people found this helpful
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Rlf
5.0 out of 5 stars A Heart Opener!
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2023
Verified Purchase
This journey through the Songs of Ascent was amazing, challenging, convicting, and filled me with motivation. I read them completely different now, and I plan to follow through on what I've learned.
2 people found this helpful
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ShannonQuintana
5.0 out of 5 stars Every Christian should read this!
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2023
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I cannot recommend this book enough. It was encouraging, challenging and a call to just keep moving forward in whatever direction God leads me without fear! I've purchased many as gifts for friends as well!
5 people found this helpful
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walter
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2023
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Really worth the time read. I sm about 1/3 way through. Esay to read and alot to chew on
2 people found this helpful
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Jonathan Pyle
5.0 out of 5 stars A simple, profound masterwork of discipleship
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2023
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Eugene Peterson’s prophetic voice speaks profoundly to a modern world even more driven toward the instant than when this book was written. The message that slow intentional discipleship (that is becoming more like Jesus) is the ONLY way to spiritual health is difficult to swallow but absolutely true. There are no shortcuts on this journey.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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oneofthose
5.0 out of 5 stars tief und verständlich
Reviewed in Germany on July 26, 2023
Verified Purchase
Wer die Pilgerpsalmen 120-134 entdecken will, ist mit Petersons Buch bestens bedient. Er schöpft aus dem Vollen: den Psalmen und seiner Lebenserfahrung. Und er verbindet beides mit Tiefe und Wärme. So sollte theologische Literatur immer sein...
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Ephraim
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in India on January 10, 2017
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Good
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David Crowe
5.0 out of 5 stars The psalms of Ascent. Useful?
Reviewed in Australia on January 11, 2018
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For those who walk (upward) with God, Petersen places essential truths in our path to exhort, challenge and nourish our hearts for CHRIST. His gentle pastoring gets under my skin and propels me to keep pressing hard towards God
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Joberto Malheiros Araujo
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente Livro
Reviewed in Brazil on March 18, 2015
Verified Purchase
Linguagem fácil, leitura agradável e conteúdo muito bom. Vale a pena! Nos leva ameditar para além do óbvio, descobrindo coisas novas e maravilhosas!
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AJack
5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing and Enlightening Thoughts
Reviewed in Canada on June 15, 2014
Verified Purchase
This is a real classic from Eugene Peterson. I read this book very slowly and meditated on each chapter. I have been reading the Psalms for many years and this book really helped me to understand the context and meaning of the Songs of Ascent. I would recommend it to everyone who sees their Christian journey as a pilgrimage.
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