Psalms 23 and 24 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

I present here a new perspective on the psalms. I have rewritten them from a New 
Testament Christ-centered point of view. I did not try to capture the poetry of the 
psalms – I leave that to more gifted writers – but I attempted to capture their message
with a more modern interpretation.

God bless,

John

____________________

Psalm 23

J

esus is our shepherd, and we are the sheep of his flock. He strengthens us when we are weak; he gives us peace when we are anxious; he keeps us on the path that leads to life. He is the light that shines on “those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.” Luke 1:79 (NLT) He says, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” Isa 41:10 (NLT) And when the last thread of life is severed, he will lead us into his Father’s house where there will be much rejoicing. Until then, we can be sure that his goodness and mercy will be with us. May we all be reunited at the supper of the lamb and live in the Lord’s house forever. Amen.

Psalm 24

E

verything that exists belongs to God, for he created it. Yet this world pales in comparison to the glory of God’s abode. Unfortunately, not everyone is welcome in God’s house. We must be pure and truthful and worship him as the one true God. Let us follow the example of Christ. After overcoming the world, the flesh and the devil, he entered through the gates of heaven as the King of glory. Come let us worship the King! Amen.²

____________________

Cover image: Christ the Saviour (Pantokrator)." Web. 25 Sept 2016.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spas_vsederzhitel_sinay.jpg
"Creative Commons License." Web. 18 May 2016.
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

²The Orthodox Study Bible. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2008), 696.

This book and other books I have written are posted for your reading pleasure at Booksie.

Scriptural quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 

copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
60189. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2016 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must 

be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is 

offered to the public free of charge for the glory of God.

Psalm 22 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

I present here a new perspective on the psalms. I have rewritten them from a New 
Testament Christ-centered point of view. I did not try to capture the poetry of the 
psalms – I leave that to more gifted writers – but I attempted to capture their message
with a more modern interpretation.

God bless,

John

____________________

Psalm 22

I

n agony on the cross, Jesus experiences the dark night of the soul. He feels completely abandoned by the Father: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Mark: 15:34 (NLT) Sometimes we feel the same way. Filled with worry and anxiety, we can forget that God has rescued us many times in the past. Yet our soul knows that he has been with us since he formed us in our mother’s womb.

 

Here is Jesus, our Savior, despised and ridiculed as he hangs on a tree between two thieves. Onlookers deride him, “He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him.” Matt 27:43 (NLT) Jesus’ life is flowing out through his many wounds; his bones are broken; his strength is failing; he thirsts, not just for water, but for souls. His enemies have pierced his hands and feet with nails. They have stretched him so tightly on the cross that one can count his bones. Soldiers even throw dice for a chance to win his last possessions: his clothes.

His physical body cries out for relief. He knows that the Father hears his prayer, but this time there is no response. His atonement for our sins must be complete. The Son of God must die so that we may live. Yet his divinity knows that the Father will not leave him in the grave. Did he not tell his disciples that the Son of Man would die and rise again? What joy we felt upon learning of his resurrection.

Nations will come and worship our Lord for he is King. Let all generations repeat the story of the wonders of our Lord. Let us all bend our knee and bow down before the Lord who saved us. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.¹  

____________________

Cover image: Christ the Saviour (Pantokrator)." Web. 25 Sept 2016.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spas_vsederzhitel_sinay.jpg
"Creative Commons License." Web. 18 May 2016.
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

¹The Orthodox Study Bible. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2008), 694.

This book and other books I have written are posted for your reading pleasure at Booksie.

Scriptural quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 

copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
60189. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2016 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must 

be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is 

offered to the public free of charge for the glory of God.

Psalms 20 and 21 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

I present here a new perspective on the psalms. I have rewritten them from a New 
Testament Christ-centered point of view. I did not try to capture the poetry of the 
psalms – I leave that to more gifted writers – but I attempted to capture their message
with a more modern interpretation.

God bless,

John

____________________

Psalm 20

F

ather, watch over your Jesus, our King of kings. Strengthen him in his battle for souls. Continue to reward him for all the sacrifices he made to fulfill your will. Grant Jesus his heart’s desire: that all souls be saved. May we be among the cheering crowds in heaven as he achieves the final victory. It was not our weapons or armies that saved us, but the Lord our God. May we all meet Jesus at the gate and hear him say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant… Let's celebrate together!" Matt 25:23 (NLT) Amen.

Psalm 21

J

esus, our King of kings, rejoices over the victory of his resurrection. Father, you have given him his heart’s desire: the renewal of the covenant between man and his creator. You have restored life to Jesus, a life that continues eternally. Thank you for the great gift of eternal life for us as well. Jesus now reigns with you in heaven in mighty splendor and majesty. May he go from victory to victory claiming souls for you. Thank you, Jesus, for loving me so much. Amen.

____________________

Cover image: Christ the Saviour (Pantokrator)." Web. 25 Sept 2016.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spas_vsederzhitel_sinay.jpg
"Creative Commons License." Web. 18 May 2016.
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

This book and other books I have written are posted for your reading pleasure at Booksie.

Scriptural quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 

copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
60189. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2016 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must 

be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is 

offered to the public free of charge for the glory of God.

Psalm 19 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

I present here a new perspective on the psalms. I have rewritten them from a New 
Testament Christ-centered point of view. I did not try to capture the poetry of the 
psalms – I leave that to more gifted writers – but I attempted to capture their message
with a more modern interpretation.

God bless,

John

____________________

Psalm 19

F

ather, no words can describe the splendor of the universe that you created. Who can behold the heavens and not acknowledge you as creator? Your glory reveals itself more and more every day, night after night. The beauty of your handiwork transcends language and culture — all nations can look up and see your grandeur.

The radiant sun runs its course every day after a night of darkness, like an athlete running a race; like a joyful bridegroom coming forth to claim his bride; like Jesus bursting forth from the tomb at his resurrection on Easter Sunday; like Jesus, the bridegroom, emerging from heaven in all his radiance on Judgment Day to welcome his bride, the Church, into the glory of his kingdom.

The splendor of God is revealed in his commandments which are perfect and trustworthy. His words fill the heart with joy and the mind with wisdom. We trust in his word because the word of God is pure gold. Blessed are they who obey it. Make me pure, Lord, and keep me from sin. May my thoughts and words always be acceptable to you, Father. Amen.

____________________

Cover image: Christ the Saviour (Pantokrator)." Web. 25 Sept 2016.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spas_vsederzhitel_sinay.jpg
"Creative Commons License." Web. 18 May 2016.
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

This book and other books I have written are posted for your reading pleasure at Booksie.

Scriptural quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 

copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
60189. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2016 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must 

be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is 

offered to the public free of charge for the glory of God.

Psalms 17 and 18 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

I present here a new perspective on the psalms. I have rewritten them from a New 
Testament Christ-centered point of view. I did not try to capture the poetry of the 
psalms – I leave that to more gifted writers – but I attempted to capture their message
with a more modern interpretation.

God bless,

John

____________________

Psalm 17

L

et us kneel beside Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and listen to his prayer to the Father: “Father, you know I am innocent; I have come down from heaven to reconcile mankind to you and reopen the gates of Paradise. I have done all that you have asked, but now my physical life is threatened by my enemies. They surround me on all sides and are anxious to be rid of me. My mortal body seeks your protection, but my divinity is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice if that is what you desire. Stay your hand of judgment against my foes, Father. They do not realize what they are doing. As for me, I know I will see you shortly face to face.” Thank you, Jesus, for saving me. Father, may your will be done, not mine. Amen.

Psalm 18

L

et us listen to Jesus’ prayer to the Father as he hangs on the cross: “Father, you are my strength, my rock, my shield, and my stronghold. Death approaches, but I know that you hear me in your sanctuary. ‘It is finished.’” John 19:30 (NLT) ‘I entrust my spirit into your hands.’” Luke 23:46 (NLT) Then the earth shook and the sky grew dark, as if nature itself rebelled at the thought of man killing his creator. “Surely he was the Son of God!” Matt 27:54 (NLT), exclaimed the centurion who witnessed Jesus’ death. They took him down from the cross and placed him in a tomb. Could they keep him in the tomb? They could not, for the Father reached down from heaven and rescued him from the grave. And on the third day heaven and earth rejoiced at the sight of the risen Lord.

A glorious afterlife is promised to all who live a righteous life. If we remain innocent, turn away from evil, follow God’s precepts, and keep from sin, we will be rewarded. We must be faithful, show integrity, maintain purity, shun the wicked, and help those in need. Then the Father will rescue us from darkness, if not in this world, then in the next. This is a promise from God and all his promises are true. He is my shield, my strength, my surety, and my salvation. Enemies can kill my body, but my soul is immortal and it belongs to God. My victory over death is assured because Jesus lives! Praise God! May I bathe in the light of God’s unfailing love forever. Amen.

____________________

Cover image: Christ the Saviour (Pantokrator)." Web. 25 Sept 2016.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spas_vsederzhitel_sinay.jpg
"Creative Commons License." Web. 18 May 2016.
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

This book and other books I have written are posted for your reading pleasure at Booksie.

Scriptural quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 

copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
60189. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2016 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must 

be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is 

offered to the public free of charge for the glory of God.

Psalms 15 and 16 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

I present here a new perspective on the psalms. I have rewritten them from a New 
Testament Christ-centered point of view. I did not try to capture the poetry of the 
psalms – I leave that to more gifted writers – but I attempted to capture their message
with a more modern interpretation.

God bless,

John

____________________

Psalm 15

T

o come into the presence of the Lord, the Old Testament demanded that I lead a good life, do what is right, speak only the truth, speak kindly of others, shun the company of resolute sinners, respect all who love God, keep my promises no matter how difficult that may be, conduct my financial affairs ethically, and cause no harm to the innocent. The New Testament requires more of me: I need to become Christlike. As a reward, Jesus promises his protection to all who follow him. Father, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Psalm 16

F

ather, you are our God, our only God. From you pours forth all that is good. Fill me with the grace to love those who love you. My cup overflows with the blessings you have bestowed upon me. I hunger and thirst for you, Lord, and you have satisfied me with the bread of life and the cup of salvation. No matter how difficult life becomes, I know you are right beside me. Even when I sleep, no evil will befall me because your right hand holds me fast.

What joy fills my heart knowing that you did not let your Son remain in the grave. You raised him on the third day and then brought him back into your kingdom where he lives with you forever. Such a reward is promised to all who love you, Father. Thank you, Jesus, for reconciling us to the Father and showing us the way to eternal life. Amen. 

____________________

Cover image: Christ the Saviour (Pantokrator)." Web. 25 Sept 2016.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spas_vsederzhitel_sinay.jpg
"Creative Commons License." Web. 18 May 2016.
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

This book and other books I have written are posted for your reading pleasure at Booksie.

Scriptural quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 

copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
60189. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2016 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must 

be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is 

offered to the public free of charge for the glory of God.

Psalms 12, 13 and 14 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

I present here a new perspective on the psalms. I have rewritten them from a New 

Testament Christ-centered point of view. I did not try to capture the poetry of the 

psalms – I leave that to more gifted writers – but I attempted to capture their message

with a more modern interpretation.

God bless,

John

____________________

Psalm 12

H

ow sad that I live in a world where evil seeks to crush the godly! 

Flattery, deceit and lying are accepted as normal. Yet the Lord has
promised to help those who call on him. Therefore, I am without
fear or anxiety because I dwell in the presence of the Most High God.
Father, deliver me from all evil. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.


Psalm 13

F

ather, anguish fills my soul; sorrow grips my heart. Show yourself 

so that my spirit may be revived. Let your light dispel the shadows
of fear and doubt. Rescue me and I will rejoice with songs of praise
and thanksgiving. Lord, be kind to your servant who loves you above
all creatures and all things. Amen.

Psalm 14

L

ord, I would have to be a fool to deny your existence. Without your moral compass, I would succumb to every evil. As you look down from heaven upon your creatures on earth, I trust that you see me as one who seeks to do your will. I pray morning and night, not because I fear the loss of heaven, but because I experience great peace in knowing that you listen to my prayers. Keep an eye on me, Jesus, and your Church. Wash away my sins, Lord, and make me once again white as snow. Then I will celebrate your loving kindness before the world all the remaining days of my life. Amen.

____________________

Cover image: Christ the Saviour (Pantokrator)." Web. 25 Sept 2016.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spas_vsederzhitel_sinay.jpg
"Creative Commons License." Web. 18 May 2016.
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

This book and other books I have written are posted for your reading pleasure at Booksie.

Scriptural quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 

copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
60189. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2016 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must 

be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is 

offered to the public free of charge for the glory of God.

Psalms 10 and 11 from my new book:

A NEW LOOK AT THE OLD PSALMS

Praying the Psalms: a modern interpretation

____________________

I present here a new perspective on the psalms. I have rewritten them from a New 
Testament Christ-centered point of view. I did not try to capture the poetry of the 
psalms – I leave that to more gifted writers – but I attempted to capture their message
with a more modern interpretation.

God bless,

John

____________________

Psalm 10

L

ord, evil surrounds me on all sides. Where are you? How is it that those who reject you become so successful while the helpless are victimized? Then it occurs to me that you are ever mindful of those who suffer. You are quietly working on a plan to save them from their distress. Use me, Lord, to accomplish your work. Let me be a source of hope and comfort to the helpless and a sword of justice for those treated unfairly by others. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 11

W

hat a perilous world we live in! Law and order have broken down, and the innocent are threatened by the wicked. I am torn between trying to escape to a safer place or standing my ground and resisting. Lord, you have always been my help in times of trouble. How could I forget that you are in control? In my panic, I thought that you had abandoned me. Then a blessed assurance swept over me: those who seek to do what is right and just can always count on your support. Lord, you are my rock and my salvation, and that gives me hope. Amen. 

____________________

Cover image: Christ the Saviour (Pantokrator)." Web. 25 Sept 2016.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spas_vsederzhitel_sinay.jpg
"Creative Commons License." Web. 18 May 2016.
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

This book and other books I have written are posted for your reading pleasure at Booksie.

Scriptural quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 

copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
60189. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2016 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must 

be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is 

offered to the public free of charge for the glory of God.