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.

Commemorative Preface by Leif Peterson20th-Anniversary Preface1. Discipleship: "What Makes You Think You Can Race Against Horses?"2. Repentance: "I'm Doomed to Live in Meshech"3. Providence: "God Guards You from Every Evil"4. Worship: "Let's Go to the House of God"5. Service: "Like Servants . . . We're Watching and Waiting"6. Help: "Oh, Blessed Be God! He Didn't Go Off and Leave Us"7. Security: "God Encircles His People"8. Joy: "We Laughed, We Sang"9. Work: "If GOD Doesn't Build the House"10. Happiness: "Enjoy the Blessing! Revel in the Goodness!"11. Perseverance: "They Never Could Keep Me Down"12. Hope: "I Pray to GOD . . . and Wait for What He'll Say and Do"13. Humility: "I've Kept My Feet on the Ground"14. Obedience: "How He Promised GOD"15. Community: "Like Costly Anointing Oil Flowing Down Head and Beard"16. Blessing: "Lift Your Praising Hands"A Long Obedience: EpilogueNotes