A long obedience in the same direction

Since Eugene Peterson penned this spiritual formation classic almost forty years ago, hundreds of thousands of Christians have been inspired by his 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 life of deepening prayer, and throughout history Christians have learned to pray with the Psalms. Peterson finds encouragement in the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120–134), sung by travelers making 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.