Redemption Songs - Print.

This moving collection is a modern-day echo of the ancient Psalms – raw, vulnerable, and full of life.

In these pages, poet, musician, and storyteller Mark Laurent offers prayers for “people like us” – those who wrestle with faith as much as they celebrate it.

These are not polished, pious platitudes, but honest conversations with God: sometimes joyful, sometimes angry, sometimes desperate, always real.

Each piece in this book began as a response to the biblical Psalms, but soon wandered into new territory – still anchored in scripture, yet speaking directly to the aches, hopes, and contradictions of contemporary life.

Laurent captures the essence of humanity’s longing for connection with the divine: our failures and victories, our fears and courage, our dry deserts and mountaintop views.

Whether you’re standing in the sunlight of praise or sitting in the shadows of doubt, Redemption Songs meets you there.

Its language is accessible yet deeply poetic, offering readers a voice when their own words fail.

These reflections are ideal for daily devotions, as gifts for friends on a spiritual journey, or as meditative companions in retreats and worship gatherings.

Laurent’s work reminds us that prayer is not about getting the words “right,” but about showing up – bringing our real selves to the One who sees, hears, and loves us.

“…poetry in motion. Freewheeling, anguished and inspirational…” Review in NZ Catholic , 12–25 March 2017.

“Mark Laurent’s ‘psalms’ are a conversation between head and heart, full of wisdom and truth. We read the wisdom, recognise truth, and hunger for more. They are lovely and I think many people will identify with them.” Joy Cowley, author, retreat leader

“Redemption Songs will be a breath of fresh air, comfort and encouragement to those like me who find that the Jesus walk is a mixture of highs and lows. Mark has shown us a heart which longs for the heart of God, and the heart of God which longs for us.” Anna Johnstone (author of The Jesus Walk)

“I highly recommend this book. It will be invaluable for personal use, as a gift to a friend, or using it in retreat work, as I will be doing. I can imagine it being useful in any place where God is worshipped.” Betty Drew-Diprose, Saint Francis Retreat Centre

“Redemption Songs comes from the heart of a pilgrim on a relationship journey to the One Who Saves Us. The songs lead along a road whose cobblestones present a challenge to honest recognition. For we too walk with the pilgrim author on the cobblestones of memories and discoveries, regrets, failures, faith and blessings, confessions and yearnings, our restless hearts finding shelter in Love.” Suzie McCarthy, former books editor for NZ Catholic; pilgrimage journey facilitator

“Thanks for sending through the sample of your Redemption Songs. It’s engaging and honest writing. I like the whole concept of composing contemporary Psalms, with high authenticity.” Mike Riddell, author

“Joan and I have both read the six sample psalms or songs. We like them. He has some fascinating expressions. Each provides a brief meditative window on some aspect of faith.” George Bryant, co-director, Daystar Publications

He lives in Auckland with his wife and fellow musician, Brenda Liddiard.