Read Psalm 131
Personal Bible Study

• This Psalm speaks to contentment.  Why would contentment have been on the minds of those traveling to Jerusalem to worship?
• Why does God desire that we be content?
• See 1 Timothy 6:6-12.  What is the connection between pride and a lack of contentment?

 
Family Discussion Guide

• What does being content mean?
• Why is it important to God?

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• How do you feel about going to church?  Do you view going to church and worshipping God as the same thing?  For you, what makes them the same, different, or both?
• Could you identify with any of the speakers in these Psalms?  Have you ever felt or thought the things that they expressed?  If so, then which ones resonated with you?  Why?
• What did you learn about God from these Psalms?  What do you think God wants us to learn from them?

Spiritual Formation Activity

• Think about your favorite worship song.  Why is it your favorite? Does it give you hope, comfort, and strength?
• Write out at least one verse of your favorite worship song and the chorus if it has one.  Put it in a place where you can read it daily.
• Either privately or with others, sing your favorite worship song to God as a prayer or in intentional praise.

Weekly Memory Verse
Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord and walks in His ways. – Psalm 128:1

Read Psalm 127
Personal Bible Study

• This Psalm begins by inviting God into our work then ends by discussing the blessing of children.  How are structures, cities, and children all built?
• Why is it equally important to invite God into the construction of a house and a home?

 
Family Discussion Guide

• Is it important to ask God to help you with everything you do?  Why?

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• How do you feel about going to church?  Do you view going to church and worshipping God as the same thing?  For you, what makes them the same, different, or both?
• Could you identify with any of the speakers in these Psalms?  Have you ever felt or thought the things that they expressed?  If so, then which ones resonated with you?  Why?
• What did you learn about God from these Psalms?  What do you think God wants us to learn from them?

Spiritual Formation Activity

• Think about your favorite worship song.  Why is it your favorite? Does it give you hope, comfort, and strength?
• Write out at least one verse of your favorite worship song and the chorus if it has one.  Put it in a place where you can read it daily.
• Either privately or with others, sing your favorite worship song to God as a prayer or in intentional praise.

Weekly Memory Verse
Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord and walks in His ways. – Psalm 128:1

Read Psalm 125
Personal Bible Study

• According to verse 1, what is it that gives stability to our lives?
• What does authentic trust in the Lord require of modern disciples?
• What evidence in your life proves your trust in God?

 
Family Discussion Guide

• What does trust mean?
• What does it mean to trust God?
• How can you show God you trust Him?

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• How do you feel about going to church?  Do you view going to church and worshipping God as the same thing?  For you, what makes them the same, different, or both?
• Could you identify with any of the speakers in these Psalms?  Have you ever felt or thought the things that they expressed?  If so, then which ones resonated with you?  Why?
• What did you learn about God from these Psalms?  What do you think God wants us to learn from them?

Spiritual Formation Activity

• Think about your favorite worship song.  Why is it your favorite? Does it give you hope, comfort, and strength?
• Write out at least one verse of your favorite worship song and the chorus if it has one.  Put it in a place where you can read it daily.
• Either privately or with others, sing your favorite worship song to God as a prayer or in intentional praise.

Weekly Memory Verse
Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord and walks in His ways. – Psalm 128:1

Read Psalm 122
Personal Bible Study

• David connects traveling to Jerusalem to worship.  How can 21st century disciples read this Psalm as a symbol for corporate worship?
• Why is a desire for peace the natural outgrowth of a love for worship?

 
Family Discussion Guide

• What does it mean to go to the house of the Lord?
• Is that something you do?
• Why was David glad to go?

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• How do you feel about going to church?  Do you view going to church and worshipping God as the same thing?  For you, what makes them the same, different, or both?
• Could you identify with any of the speakers in these Psalms?  Have you ever felt or thought the things that they expressed?  If so, then which ones resonated with you?  Why?
• What did you learn about God from these Psalms?  What do you think God wants us to learn from them?

Spiritual Formation Activity

• Think about your favorite worship song.  Why is it your favorite? Does it give you hope, comfort, and strength?
• Write out at least one verse of your favorite worship song and the chorus if it has one.  Put it in a place where you can read it daily.
• Either privately or with others, sing your favorite worship song to God as a prayer or in intentional praise.

Weekly Memory Verse
Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord and walks in His ways. – Psalm 128:1

Read Psalm 121
Personal Bible Study

• When you experience difficulty or trouble, where do you expect your help to come from:  God, yourself, others?
• How would believing God watches over you change your expectation in a practical way?  In a spiritual way?

 
Family Discussion Guide

• What does it mean to watch over something or someone?
• How do you feel knowing God is watching over you?

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• How do you feel about going to church?  Do you view going to church and worshipping God as the same thing?  For you, what makes them the same, different, or both?
• Could you identify with any of the speakers in these Psalms?  Have you ever felt or thought the things that they expressed?  If so, then which ones resonated with you?  Why?
• What did you learn about God from these Psalms?  What do you think God wants us to learn from them?

Spiritual Formation Activity

• Think about your favorite worship song.  Why is it your favorite? Does it give you hope, comfort, and strength?
• Write out at least one verse of your favorite worship song and the chorus if it has one.  Put it in a place where you can read it daily.
• Either privately or with others, sing your favorite worship song to God as a prayer or in intentional praise.

Weekly Memory Verse
Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord and walks in His ways. – Psalm 128:1

Read Psalm 99
Personal Bible Study

• God's holiness has been a theme throughout this week's Psalms.  While God desires relationship with us, He is more than just our friend.  How should God's holiness affect the way we view Him?
• How should His holiness affect the way we approach Him in prayer?
• What about the way we speak about Him to others?

 
Family Discussion Guide

• Read verses 2-3.  Do all the nations in the world praise and worship God?
• What can you do to help your part of the world praise and worship God?

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• Did these passages strike you as strange?  Are you surprised language like this is in scripture?
• Do these Psalms change or add anything to your perspective on what is acceptable to pray for?
• What do these Psalms teach about the nature of God?
• Of all the passages in the Bible, why do you think these particular Psalms are included?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Choose one verse from each of these Psalms and memorize it.

• Psalm 24:
• Psalm 48:
• Psalm 93:
• Psalm 97:
• Psalm 99:

Weekly Memory Verse
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever.  -Psalm 29:10

Read Psalm 97
Personal Bible Study

• Read verse 7.  In ancient Israel, it was easy to identify the false gods people worshipped because they had physical idols.  What false gods and idols do people worship today?
• How easy is it to recognize them in our own lives, in the lives of others, or in our culture?
• Refer back to Psalm 24:1.  How is worshipping anything other than Jehovah worshipping a false god?
• How can we become aware of idol worship in our own lives?

 
Family Discussion Guide

• What does it mean to reign  over something?  
• How does God reign over the earth?  
• How long will God reign?  Why should the earth be glad? 

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• Did these passages strike you as strange?  Are you surprised language like this is in scripture?
• Do these Psalms change or add anything to your perspective on what is acceptable to pray for?
• What do these Psalms teach about the nature of God?
• Of all the passages in the Bible, why do you think these particular Psalms are included?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Choose one verse from each of these Psalms and memorize it.

• Psalm 24:
• Psalm 48:
• Psalm 93:
• Psalm 97:
• Psalm 99:

Weekly Memory Verse
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever.  -Psalm 29:10

Read Psalm93
Personal Bible Study

• Read verse 5.  Why is it essential to the character of God that His statues stand firm?  See Numbers 23:19, Titus 1:2, Hebrews 13:8, and Psalms 18:30.
• How could our faith increase if we lived as if we truly believed God's statues were unchangeable?

 
Family Discussion Guide

• We call earthly kings and queens Your Majesty.  What does majesty mean?  How is God majestic?

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• Did these passages strike you as strange?  Are you surprised language like this is in scripture?
• Do these Psalms change or add anything to your perspective on what is acceptable to pray for?
• What do these Psalms teach about the nature of God?
• Of all the passages in the Bible, why do you think these particular Psalms are included?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Choose one verse from each of these Psalms and memorize it.

• Psalm 24:
• Psalm 48:
• Psalm 93:
• Psalm 97:
• Psalm 99:

Weekly Memory Verse
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever.  -Psalm 29:10

Read Psalm 48
Personal Bible Study

• This Psalm speaks to God’s protection, provision, and help for Jerusalem, and praises Him for His continued presence.  How does the church function as a modern-day Jerusalem?
• What spiritual applications can you make for the church when you view her as the 21st century Jerusalem?

 
Family Discussion Guide

• Why is it important to know about the history of God’s people?
• Are we part of the story of God’s people?  How?

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• Did these passages strike you as strange?  Are you surprised language like this is in scripture?
• Do these Psalms change or add anything to your perspective on what is acceptable to pray for?
• What do these Psalms teach about the nature of God?
• Of all the passages in the Bible, why do you think these particular Psalms are included?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Choose one verse from each of these Psalms and memorize it.

• Psalm 24:
• Psalm 48:
• Psalm 93:
• Psalm 97:
• Psalm 99:

Weekly Memory Verse
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever.  -Psalm 29:10

Read Psalm 24
Personal Bible Study

• Read verse 1.  David makes this declaration before he begins a discussion of holy living.  How does verse 1 inform a believer’s approach to holy living?
• How does 1 Peter 1:13-16 further support David’s perspective?

 
Family Discussion Guide

• Read verse 1.  How do you take care of your things?
• Would you view your belongings differently if you though God was just letting you use them?

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• Did these passages strike you as strange?  Are you surprised language like this is in scripture?
• Do these Psalms change or add anything to your perspective on what is acceptable to pray for?
• What do these Psalms teach about the nature of God?
• Of all the passages in the Bible, why do you think these particular Psalms are included?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Choose one verse from each of these Psalms and memorize it.

• Psalm 24:
• Psalm 48:
• Psalm 93:
• Psalm 97:
• Psalm 99:

Weekly Memory Verse
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever.  -Psalm 29:10

Read Psalm 112
Personal Bible Study

• Here the Psalmist directly connects generosity with our fear or reverence for the Lord.  How are the 2 connected?  Why is generosity a requirement for God’s people?
• How does a stingy or even greedy heart endanger our faith?

 
Family Discussion Guide

• What does it mean to delight in God’s commands?
• How does this writer describe the person who does delight in obeying God?
• Do you delight in obeying God?

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• Did these passages strike you as strange?  Are you surprised language like this is in scripture?
• Do these Psalms change or add anything to your perspective on what is acceptable to pray for?
• What do these Psalms teach about the nature of God?
• Of all the passages in the Bible, why do you think these particular Psalms are included?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Sharing Godly Wisdom

• What wisdom have you gained by being obedient to the Lord?
• What wisdom did you learn through disobedience?
• What Godly wisdom would you like to pass on to your children or others that you love?

Write down the wisdom you have gained in your walk with the Lord and share it with someone you love.

Weekly Memory Verse
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who practice it have a good understanding.  – Psalm 111:10.

Read Psalm 37
Personal Bible Study

• Among other things, Psalm 37 offers advice to avoid fretting or worry.  Read verses 1-8.  What strategies do verses 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 offer to combat fretting?
• V.3_________________________________in the Lord
• V.4_________________________________in the Lord
• V.5_________________________________to the Lord
• V.7_________________________________before the Lord
• V.8 refrain from___________________and turn from_____________________

 
Family Discussion Guide

• What are things the wicked to according to the Psalm?
• What are things the righteous do?
• Which does God reward?

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• Did these passages strike you as strange?  Are you surprised language like this is in scripture?
• Do these Psalms change or add anything to your perspective on what is acceptable to pray for?
• What do these Psalms teach about the nature of God?
• Of all the passages in the Bible, why do you think these particular Psalms are included?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Sharing Godly Wisdom

• What wisdom have you gained by being obedient to the Lord?
• What wisdom did you learn through disobedience?
• What Godly wisdom would you like to pass on to your children or others that you love?

Write down the wisdom you have gained in your walk with the Lord and share it with someone you love.

Weekly Memory Verse
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who practice it have a good understanding.  – Psalm 111:10.

Read Psalm 34
Personal Bible Study

• Psalm 34 praises God for His deliverance, but nowhere does it promise the righteous person a trouble-free life.  What assurances about God does the Psalm offer those who are suffering?

 
Family Discussion Guide

• When David says to fear the Lord, does David mean we are supposed to be afraid of God?
• What does it mean to fear the Lord?

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• Did these passages strike you as strange?  Are you surprised language like this is in scripture?
• Do these Psalms change or add anything to your perspective on what is acceptable to pray for?
• What do these Psalms teach about the nature of God?
• Of all the passages in the Bible, why do you think these particular Psalms are included?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Sharing Godly Wisdom

• What wisdom have you gained by being obedient to the Lord?
• What wisdom did you learn through disobedience?
• What Godly wisdom would you like to pass on to your children or others that you love?

Write down the wisdom you have gained in your walk with the Lord and share it with someone you love.

Weekly Memory Verse
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who practice it have a good understanding.  – Psalm 111:10.

Read Psalm 25
Personal Bible Study

• What kind of attitude is necessary if we are to learn from the Lord and understand His ways?
• Refer to verse 4-5, 8-10, 12, and 21.  If we adopt a posture of humility before the Lord, what is the result?
• When we hope (also wait in Hebrew) in the Lord, what does it produce in our lives?  See verse 3 and 21.

 
Family Discussion Guide

• David writes that he puts his trust in the Lord.  What does it mean to trust God?
• What makes God trustworthy?

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• Did these passages strike you as strange?  Are you surprised language like this is in scripture?
• Do these Psalms change or add anything to your perspective on what is acceptable to pray for?
• What do these Psalms teach about the nature of God?
• Of all the passages in the Bible, why do you think these particular Psalms are included?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Sharing Godly Wisdom

• What wisdom have you gained by being obedient to the Lord?
• What wisdom did you learn through disobedience?
• What Godly wisdom would you like to pass on to your children or others that you love?

Write down the wisdom you have gained in your walk with the Lord and share it with someone you love.

Weekly Memory Verse
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who practice it have a good understanding.  – Psalm 111:10.

Read Psalm 1
Personal Bible Study

• What blessing does this Psalm pronounce?
• How can you discern the difference in evil and godly counsel?
• See Psalm 119:11 and 2 Timothy 4:3-4.  In what practical way does being rooted in the word help believers yield fruit and prosper?

 
Family Discussion Guide

• What is ungodly or wicked counsel?
• Why should believers avoid it?
• Where can you find godly counsel?

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• Did these passages strike you as strange?  Are you surprised language like this is in scripture?
• Do these Psalms change or add anything to your perspective on what is acceptable to pray for?
• What do these Psalms teach about the nature of God?
• Of all the passages in the Bible, why do you think these particular Psalms are included?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Sharing Godly Wisdom

• What wisdom have you gained by being obedient to the Lord?
• What wisdom did you learn through disobedience?
• What Godly wisdom would you like to pass on to your children or others that you love?

Write down the wisdom you have gained in your walk with the Lord and share it with someone you love.

Weekly Memory Verse
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who practice it have a good understanding.  – Psalm 111:10.

Read Psalm 109
Personal Bible Study

• What evidence in the Psalm supports David’s claims that the person he is writing about is doing harm? 
• Read Micah 6:8.  How does this verse justify David’s feelings toward the wrongdoer?
• Just because David asks for these imprecations, does it mean God will oblige?
• What does this show about our ability to share our hearts with God?

 
Family Discussion Guide

• When someone hurts us, is it ok to hurt them back?  Read Romans 12:17.

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• Did these passages strike you as strange?  Are you surprised language like this is in scripture?
• Do these Psalms change or add anything to your perspective on what is acceptable to pray for?
• What do these Psalms teach about the nature of God?
• Of all the passages in the Bible, why do you think these particular Psalms are included?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Imprecatory Psalms are hard to read.  Remember that they are never directed at an individual and always directed at a group that actively opposes God.  Imprecations actually call for God’s justice to be met out on His enemies.  Often they call for God to fulfill a promise that His enemies will be defeated.  These are not requests for personally retribution.
Consider the following New Testament examples of Imprecation:  Luke 10:10-16, 1 Corinthians 16:21-22, Galatians 1:8, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10.
While it may seem harsh, there is room in Christian prayer for imprecation.  Consider writing an imprecation for one or all of the following:

• The Enemy and his agents
• Governments that oppose or prevent Christian work
• All enemies of God

Weekly Memory Verse
Declare them guilty, Oh God!  Let their intrigues be their downfall.  Banish them for their sins, for they have rebelled against you.  -Psalm 5:10

Read Psalm 79
Personal Bible Study

• Asaph most likely wrote this psalm after Babylon had invaded and leveled Jerusalem.  He was afraid Israel’s spiritual identity would be destroyed.  How is this plea to God understandable in light of the circumstances that inspired it?
• What about now?  Read this Psalm with the 21st century church in mind.
• How do Asaph’s words apply to the church today?
• Can you pray this Psalm or part of it for the church in the 21st century?

 
Family Discussion Guide

• How do you think it makes God feel when leaders of other countries try to hurt Christians or keep them from worshipping?
• What should believers do when that happens?

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• Did these passages strike you as strange?  Are you surprised language like this is in scripture?
• Do these Psalms change or add anything to your perspective on what is acceptable to pray for?
• What do these Psalms teach about the nature of God?
• Of all the passages in the Bible, why do you think these particular Psalms are included?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Imprecatory Psalms are hard to read.  Remember that they are never directed at an individual and always directed at a group that actively opposes God.  Imprecations actually call for God’s justice to be met out on His enemies.  Often they call for God to fulfill a promise that His enemies will be defeated.  These are not requests for personally retribution.
Consider the following New Testament examples of Imprecation:  Luke 10:10-16, 1 Corinthians 16:21-22, Galatians 1:8, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10.
While it may seem harsh, there is room in Christian prayer for imprecation.  Consider writing an imprecation for one or all of the following:

• The Enemy and his agents
• Governments that oppose or prevent Christian work
• All enemies of God

Weekly Memory Verse
Declare them guilty, Oh God!  Let their intrigues be their downfall.  Banish them for their sins, for they have rebelled against you.  -Psalm 5:10

Read Psalm 59
Personal Bible Study

• Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him when David wrote this Psalm.  Why is David more confident in God than in his enemies?
• How did Jesus experience false accusations and betrayal?
• Having known both, how does the cross give 21st century disciples even confidence that God is our fortress and our shield?

 
Family Discussion Guide

• What is an enemy?
• How can we recognize an enemy of God?
• Who is our true enemy?
• Read Ephesians 6:12.

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• Did these passages strike you as strange?  Are you surprised language like this is in scripture?
• Do these Psalms change or add anything to your perspective on what is acceptable to pray for?
• What do these Psalms teach about the nature of God?
• Of all the passages in the Bible, why do you think these particular Psalms are included?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Imprecatory Psalms are hard to read.  Remember that they are never directed at an individual and always directed at a group that actively opposes God.  Imprecations actually call for God’s justice to be met out on His enemies.  Often they call for God to fulfill a promise that His enemies will be defeated.  These are not requests for personally retribution.
Consider the following New Testament examples of Imprecation:  Luke 10:10-16, 1 Corinthians 16:21-22, Galatians 1:8, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10.
While it may seem harsh, there is room in Christian prayer for imprecation.  Consider writing an imprecation for one or all of the following:

• The Enemy and his agents
• Governments that oppose or prevent Christian work
• All enemies of God

Weekly Memory Verse
Declare them guilty, Oh God!  Let their intrigues be their downfall.  Banish them for their sins, for they have rebelled against you.  -Psalm 5:10

Read Psalm 35
Personal Bible Study

• Is David asking for God’s permission to take revenge on those who’ve wronged him or for God to exact His holy justice?  How do you know?
• Are we ever given permission to take revenge on others?  See Romans 12:19
• What is the correct course of action when we have been wronged?  Matthew 4:43-48 and 18:15-17.
• How does this Psalm serve as an example of how a human struggle can be worship?

 
Family Discussion Guide

• When people try to stop us from worshipping God or doing what God says is right, what should we do?

 
Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• Did these passages strike you as strange?  Are you surprised language like this is in scripture?
• Do these Psalms change or add anything to your perspective on what is acceptable to pray for?
• What do these Psalms teach about the nature of God?
• Of all the passages in the Bible, why do you think these particular Psalms are included?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Imprecatory Psalms are hard to read.  Remember that they are never directed at an individual and always directed at a group that actively opposes God.  Imprecations actually call for God’s justice to be met out on His enemies.  Often they call for God to fultill a promise that His enemies will be defeated.  These are not requests for personally retribution.
Consider the following New Testament examples of Imprecation:  Luke 10:10-16, 1 Corinthians 16:21-22, Galatians 1:8, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10.
While it may seem harsh, there is room in Christian prayer for imprecation.  Consider writing an imprecation for one or all of the following:

• The Enemy and his agents
• Governments that oppose or prevent Christian work
• All enemies of God

Weekly Memory Verse
Declare them guilty, Oh God!  Let their intrigues be their downfall.  Banish them for their sins, for they have rebelled against you.  -Psalm 5:10

Read Psalm 28
Personal Bible Study

• What attitude or spiritual condition is David writing about in the Psalm?
• How does God view hypocrisy?
• Read Matthew 23:1-32.  What warning does Jesus give about hypocrisy?
• How can hypocrisy sneak into the lives of sincere Believers, and how can we guard against it?

 
Family Discussion Guide

• What does it mean when we say God is just?
• Why is God the only one who can be perfectly just?
• Read Deuteronomy 32:4 and Job 34:12.

Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• Did these passages strike you as strange?  Are you surprised language like this is in scripture?
• Do these Psalms change or add anything to your perspective on what is acceptable to pray for?
• What do these Psalms teach about the nature of God?
• Of all the passages in the Bible, why do you think these particular Psalms are included?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Imprecatory Psalms are hard to read.  Remember that they are never directed at an individual and always directed at a group that actively opposes God.  Imprecations actually call for God’s justice to be met out on His enemies.  Often they call for God to fultill a promise that His enemies will be defeated.  These are not requests for personally retribution.
Consider the following New Testament examples of Imprecation:  Luke 10:10-16, 1 Corinthians 16:21-22, Galatians 1:8, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10.
While it may seem harsh, there is room in Christian prayer for imprecation.  Consider writing an imprecation for one or all of the following:

• The Enemy and his agents
• Governments that oppose or prevent Christian work
• All enemies of God

Weekly Memory Verse
Declare them guilty, Oh God!  Let their intrigues be their downfall.  Banish them for their sins, for they have rebelled against you.  -Psalm 5:10

Read Psalm 136
Personal Bible Study

• For this Psalmist, everything that God has done is a display of His enduring love.  How is the cross the ultimate display of God's enduring love?
• Do you fully believe that God's love endures forever - for you personally?
• How would your life change in a practical way if you fully believed this truth about God?

Family Discussion Guide

• What is the number 1 reason to give thanks to God?
• How did God show His great love to us?  (See Romans 5:8)

Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• How does our culture view appreciation?  Do you think it’s different than these writers viewed appreciation?  How?
• How did these Psalms make you feel?  How would you describe the mood in these Psalms?  Do you think being thankful generally improves your mood?  Is that a psychological principle or a Biblical principle?
• When you pray, do you spend more time asking or thanking?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Each day this week, reflect on the following questions:

• What has God provided for me physically?
• What has God provided for me materially?
• What has God provided for me spiritually?
• What has God provided for me circumstantially?

After you make the list, thank God for His provision in your life.  If it’s not your habit, this week, begin your prayers with thanksgiving.

Weekly Memory Verse
Give thanks to the Lord; His love endures forever.  – 2 Chronicles 20:21

Read Psalm107
Personal Bible Study

• Consider verses 4, 10, 17, and 23.  What kinds of trouble were these groups of people in?  
• Consider verses 6, 13, 19, and 28.  What was God's response to each group?
• According to verses 8, 15, 21, and 31, how should these groups of people respond to God's deliverance?
• What has God redeemed you from?
• What wonderful deeds has God done for you?
• How should you respond?

Family Discussion Guide

• This writer says give thanks to the Lord for His is good.  What good things does this writer mention?
• What good things has God done for you?

Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• How does our culture view appreciation?  Do you think it’s different than these writers viewed appreciation?  How?
• How did these Psalms make you feel?  How would you describe the mood in these Psalms?  Do you think being thankful generally improves your mood?  Is that a psychological principle or a Biblical principle?
• When you pray, do you spend more time asking or thanking?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Each day this week, reflect on the following questions:

• What has God provided for me physically?
• What has God provided for me materially?
• What has God provided for me spiritually?
• What has God provided for me circumstantially?

After you make the list, thank God for His provision in your life.  If it’s not your habit, this week, begin your prayers with thanksgiving.

Weekly Memory Verse
Give thanks to the Lord; His love endures forever.  – 2 Chronicles 20:21

Read Psalm 100
Personal Bible Study

• Reflect on verse 3.  To what degree do you live like you belong to God and not to yourself?
• It's not until Jesus finishes His work that we know the cost of becoming His:  1 Corinthians 7:23.  To what extend does your lack of thankfulness for the price Jesus paid influence your perspective that you can live for yourself?

Family Discussion Guide
At the temple, the gate opened onto the court, the court was the first place people entered, and anyone could come into the temple court.

• What attitude does God want us to come to Him with if we are entering His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise?

Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• How does our culture view appreciation?  Do you think it’s different than these writers viewed appreciation?  How?
• How did these Psalms make you feel?  How would you describe the mood in these Psalms?  Do you think being thankful generally improves your mood?  Is that a psychological principle or a Biblical principle?
• When you pray, do you spend more time asking or thanking?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Each day this week, reflect on the following questions:

• What has God provided for me physically?
• What has God provided for me materially?
• What has God provided for me spiritually?
• What has God provided for me circumstantially?

After you make the list, thank God for His provision in your life.  If it’s not your habit, this week, begin your prayers with thanksgiving.

Weekly Memory Verse
Give thanks to the Lord; His love endures forever.  – 2 Chronicles 20:21

Read Psalm 95
Personal Bible Study
This Psalm centers on worship.  

•  How are verses 1-5 similar to verses 6-7.  How are they different?
• How is our worship lacking if we approach worship with only one of these attitudes?

Family Discussion Guide

• How does God want us to sing to Him?
• Why is it important to sing with joy?
• Does singing with joy mean we can only sing happy songs?

Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• How does our culture view appreciation?  Do you think it’s different than these writers viewed appreciation?  How?
• How did thes Psalms make you feel?  How would you describe the mood in these Psalms?  Do you think being thankful generally improves your mood?  Is that a psychological principle or a Biblical principle?
• When you pray, do you spend more time asking or thanking?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Each day this week, reflect on the following questions:

• What has God provided for me physically?
• What has God provided for me materially?
• What has God provided for me spiritually?
• What has God provided for me circumstantially?

After you make the list, thank God for His provision in your life.  If it’s not your habit, this week, begin your prayers with thanksgiving.

Weekly Memory Verse
Give thanks to the Lord; His love endures forever.  – 2 Chronicles 20:21

Read Psalm 30
Personal Bible Study
Psalm 30 was traditionally sung on the Feast of First Fruits.  This is the day Christ was resurrected from the dead.  Read Psalm 30 in light of this observation.

• What stands out to you?
• Why is this a special Psalm of Thanksgiving?

 
Family Discussion Guide
David had some difficulties in his life.  Every time David asked God for help, God always did.

• Why is it important to thank God for His help?
• What has God helped you do?
• What can you ask God to help you with in the future?

Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions

• How does our culture view appreciation?  Do you think it’s different than these writers viewed appreciation?  How?
• How did these Psalms make you feel?  How would you describe the mood in these Psalms?  Do you think being thankful generally improves your mood?  Is that a psychological principle or a Biblical principle?
• When you pray, do you spend more time asking or thanking?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Each day this week, reflect on the following questions:

• What has God provided for me physically?
• What has God provided for me materially?
• What has God provided for me spiritually?
• What has God provided for me circumstantially?

After you make the list, thank God for His provision in your life.  If it’s not your habit, this week, begin your prayers with thanksgiving.

Weekly Memory Verse
Give thanks to the Lord; His love endures forever.  – 2 Chronicles 20:21