From Publishers Weekly
As senior pastor of a Presbyterian church in Irvine, Calif., Roberts (Dare to Be True; Jesus Revealed) readily admits that his conservative denomination is not always comfortable with the emotive and often volatile sentiments in the book of Psalms. In fact, his own personal discomposure over the emotionally stark content of numerous Psalms challenged him to the further study that resulted in this book. Citing Hebrews 4:14–16, where Christians are instructed to approach God's throne boldly, Roberts advocates "going toe-to-toe with the Almighty," using the Psalms as examples. Many of the Psalms deal directly with expressing the darker side of human emotion such as vengeance, desperation and doubt, while others, like Psalm 47, take the opposite course and focus on expressing joyful prayer through energetic songs and clapping. Perhaps the most astonishing topic Roberts covers is the prayer of vengeance as found in Psalm 69, where the Psalmist calls upon his enemies to be destroyed. Roberts asserts that even this expression of bitter hatred has its uses, including the eventual healing and reconciliation of the supplicant. Overall, he skillfully dissects the Psalms and pleads for fellow believers to step alongside him, reaping the cleansing power such transparency affords. New Christians and seasoned veterans alike will find some freshly presented and practical prayer disciplines to mull over and implement. (Mar. 15)
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Review
Praise for No Holds Barred

“This inspiring book is an invitation to bold, honest, and passionate communication with God. Mark Roberts points us to a biblical view of prayer, full of reality and reverence. Mark reminds us of the astounding freedom in prayer we find throughout the Psalms, and encourages us to take advantage of that freedom. Read this book and discover your ‘inner psalmist’!”
–Matt Redman, songwriter, worship leader, author of Facedown and The Unquenchable Worshipper

“No Holds Barred is fresh, practical, and profound–a rarity in contemporary books on prayer. Mark Roberts gently guides us into more sincere prayer, helping us overcome our inhibitions and press into the bold and often shocking prayers of the Psalms. This book will richly reward those who take its truth to heart and who apply the principles Mark Roberts so ably explores.”
–Gary Thomas, author of Sacred Pathways and Sacred Marriage

“If you’re tired of hiding from God, No Holds Barred could be your route to spiritual honesty. One chapter after another explores the well-traveled tributaries of the Psalms, ancient conduits for navigating the wonders, chaos, and tragedies of life.”
–Sally Morgenthaler, author of Worship Evangelism, founder of Sacramentis.com and Digital Glass Productions

“No Holds Barred personalizes the Psalms for me and gives me lots of tools to communicate with God. Mark Roberts shows us not just the actions and words of praying the Psalms, but also the right heart, attitude, and theology behind those actions and words. This book will help you pray through the tough situations of life, and show you how to be utterly honest with God–no matter how you feel.”
–Andy Park, worship leader, songwriter, author of To Know You More

“Mark Roberts gives us not only the permission but also the biblical mandate of wrestling with God in prayer. He writes with no holds barred as he invites us to discover profound theological truths and to participate in the book’s practical exercises. In doing so, he brings us boldly to God’s throne of grace with confidence.”
–Libby Vincent, Presbyterian pastor and adjunct professor, Fuller Theological Seminary

“In No Holds Barred, Mark Roberts brings the unique perspective of pastor and theologian to one of the most pressing concerns of the day: How shall we pray, and specifically, how do the Psalms tell us to pray? As with his previous books, Mark blends the easy accessibility of a sermon with the deep learning of a scholar-theologian to bring every reader closer to the heart of the Psalms and thus to the heart of God.”
–Hugh Hewitt, best-selling author, radio host of the nationally syndicated Hugh Hewitt Show