Psalms are about real human life, full of feelings. They sing about fears, fights and celebrations, and bring it all to God. Psalms teach us how to pray, in the hard times and the good times, in church and alone and with the people we love.

I hope that my versions ring true with each original Psalm and also translate ancient words and mind-pictures into images to which children can relate. I also hope that you explore other translations and enjoy 'saying the Psalms' together in lots of different ways.

Some of these poems are prayers for home, perhaps for bedtime. Some are for church, for all-age worship.

Psalms were originally songs; these versions are to be read aloud. Many are formatted for several voices, which works well in church for involving children.

Praise for Let's Say a Palm

"For millennia, the Psalms have been the prayer book for people of faith. Silvia Purdie has paraphrased each one in a delightful way, bringing freshness to the themes. She helps people today – including youth and children – experience the relevance of the thoughts and prayers in each Psalm. Her paraphrases are a delight." Rev Lynne Baab, PhD, author of Sabbath Keeping & The Power of Listening

About the author:

Silvia Purdie is a minister in the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, with a background in youth & children's ministry and counselling, currently in post-earthquake Christchurch. She is married to Chris, a military chaplain, with three young adult sons.

This collection draws on her experience with worship and scripture, children and teenagers, pastoral care and music. Illustrations include Silvia's own photos, many from a visit to Israel.

She has particular interest in the connections between the Old and New Testaments and comes to the Psalms with Jesus in mind.

To explore more of her writing and worship resources, and to contact her, visit her website: www.conversations.net.nz