NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–LifeWay Christian Resources has released a new six-week Bible study by Beth Moore focusing on the “Psalms of Ascent” — Moore’s first such study in the Psalms.
Titled “Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent,” the study guides participants through daily homework and weekly video sessions on Psalms 120-134, the “Ascent Psalms.”
Moore said she previously wanted to develop a study on the Psalms but was uncertain how to cover such an extensive book of the Bible.
“This is the first time I’ve written an in-depth study on the Psalms,” Moore said in the introductory session of the study. “Until now I haven’t had a clue how to approach a book of 150 chapters in a time frame that wasn’t too demanding for participants.
“When God introduced me to this compilation of 15 psalms and began to show me its place as a ‘psalter within a psalter,’ I couldn’t wait to throw myself into it,” she said.
The studio set for Moore’s video sessions depict the south steps of the temple in Jerusalem, where in Old Testament times hundreds of Jewish people and priests recited these specific Psalms.
Spoken by God’s people in the Old Testament during specific events, such as journeying to Jerusalem or walking up the temple steps, these psalms are significant in revealing more about God and a personal relationship with Him.
The daily personal study in Stepping Up delves into topics such as redemption, worship, God’s blessing and knowing the Lord as shelter and keeper.
Different from her previous studies, Moore focused on the worship aspect of the study by featuring Travis Cottrell and other musical performers in the video segments to teach participants new songs during the sessions. Cottrell leads music at LifeWay’s Living Proof Live events featuring Moore.
In the introduction of the study, Moore recounts what the Psalms have meant to her in her walk with Christ, referring to them as “constants throughout [her] entire life.”
“I’ve turned to the Psalms many times when I’ve had feelings that needed biblical expression,” she said. “Sometimes I needed a way to word overwhelming gratitude and praise to God. Other times my sorrow desperately needed an outlet for expression. Even when I’ve been afraid or angry, the Psalms have invited me to safely pour out my heart to God.”
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Compiled by staff of LifeWay Christian Resources. For more information on Moore and other resources authored by her, visit www.lifeway.com/bethmoore.
