The Song in the Gate

A devotional daily commentary based on the first Psalm

This inspiring daily devotional takes the reader through Psalm 1, over 24 days, with in depth revelation and practical application.

"Here is where we cut our teeth in praying, as we take upon our lips the prayers of others. As we make our way through the psalms - praying, singing, weeping - we will become more and more aware of the God who inspired them in the first place. They will bring us to both an intimacy with, and a deep, holy respect for, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit." 

"Alan Hoare is a pastor's pastor: a shepherd's shepherd. As long as I've known him, now nearly forty years, he has devoted himself to biblical reflection, meditation and, like the mystics of long ago, to a yearning after a spirituality that is rooted in 'unchangeable truth'. He is a man of The Word. I am not surprised that he has been drawn to the Psalms. He is a music lover: one who finds peace and rest for the soul in melody and meaning. He has a 'heart after God'. I commend the man. I commend the reading of this devotional pilgrimage."

Rev Canon Chris Bowater OSL
International Worship Ministry; Founder of Worship Academy; 
Senior Pastor, New Life Church, Sleaford. 

"Alan and I have a long history together. We went to school together, played music together, and even went to Bible College together. This being the case, I think I know my old friend pretty well! Alan was always the studious one of the two of us. Whilst I would be reading music magazines, he would be reading Thomas a Kempis. Whilst I would be writing songs, he would be writing Bible studies. And whilst I would be singing to children, he would be sharing theological thoughts with fellow Church Leaders. So it comes as no surprised that my very learned and godly friend has now put some of his studies into print. With all the research, prayer and time that I know Alan has put into this book, I'm convinced that all who read it will be encouraged, spiritually fed and, most important of all, be brought closer to the God we love and serve. Read, mark, learn and inwardly digest!"

Ishmael
Singer / Songwriter,
Deacon, Chichester Cathedral 

"My own spiritual journey benefitted enormously from Alan's enthusiastic passion for explaining the scriptures to me as a friend. I wholeheartedly recommend his daily devotional: bite-sized nuggets of easy-to-understand yet challenging and life-changing theology. Great stuff!"

Andy Piercy
Singer / Songwriter; Worship Consultant; Record Producer

"Alan's one focus in ministry is God's word. He loves teaching and particularly loves digging into the meaning of words. Alan is eager to find as much as possible in every verse he studies and wants that which he finds to be passed on to as many people as possible. The Song in the Gate is an example of how we begin our week at Alive Church Lincoln. Studying God’s word with help from dedicated and informed teachers opens the gate into God’s presence. Set a plan to use this material and be blessed."

Stuart Bell 
Senior Pastor, Alive Church Lincoln

"Alan Hoare is one of the most devoted students of scripture I've been blessed to know, not just for his learning's sake but for his passionate belief in its power to effect godly change in our lives. As a long-time friend and colleague, few men that I've known have so consistently put aside time to 'mine' Scripture for all its worth. The result is a disciple of Christ who can unpeel scripture in layers, revealing God's imminent presence through His Spirit-breathed Word."

Johnny Markin
Worship Pastor / Songwriter, 
Northview Community Church, Abbotsford, Canada

"I first met Alan over forty years ago. We worked closely together for two years on a church planting team in the South of France. His keen questioning spirit coupled with a deep desire to know the Lord impressed me then. The meditations contained in 'The Song in the Gate' demonstrate clearly that his thinking has matured and deepened. The unhurried reading of God's Word has always been, and will always be, the source of effective Christian living. I'm sure that many will be blessed as they read this book."

Chris Short
Former missionary, Operation Mobilisation
Retired senior pastor and founder, Pontault Baptist Church, Paris
 

"Alan's love of Scripture and his desire to live in the light of the Word is infectious and deeply inspiring. Having sat under Alan's teaching for many years, I can honestly say that his considered study and application of the Word has challenged, inspired and encouraged me on countless occasions. My own personal love of Scripture is down in no small part to the depth and quality of Alan's Bible teaching. As a worship leader I am continually drawn to the great songbook of Scripture and therefore I am thrilled that Alan has drawn together his teachings on the book of Psalms. These comprehensive studies encourage the reader to know in greater depth the beauty of the Psalms and their relevance to the Twenty-first Century Christian. Alan's writing style is rich yet accessible to all, and I am certain that all who engage in these studies will be developed and discipled into a greater love for God and his Word."

Howard Williams 
Worship Pastor, Alive Church Lincoln