Welcome to the Weekly Digest!
Below you will find resources to help you on your journey through the Book of Psalms. We've provided you with a reading plan for the upcoming week, journaling prompts, a weekly Spotify playlist, and ideas for prayer. Be sure to check in every week to see what we have for you next as we continue to enrich our journey through the Psalms.
Reading Plan: We will return to Psalms after our Advent Series
Psalms 61-65. Read and reflect on Psalm 63 in preparation for Sunday, November 21st's teaching. You can download the reading guide for the entire series here.
Scripture Memorization
Scripture memorization is an important discipline to introduce to our lives as a way to actively hide God's word in our heart. It allows us to not only internalize the text, but to share that truth with others more readily.
Memory Verses for Novem ber: Psalm 57:9-10 ESV
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
Journal Prompts
* A quick note on journaling: if you're new to this practice, our journey through the book of Psalms will be a great way to get started. The most important step to forming this discipline in your life is to write anything and write often. Journaling is an incredible way to slow down, digest the content of a text, let your brain internalize thoughts that may come up, and keep a record for future reflection on what God was speaking to you during your reading. Journaling can take many forms such as written prayers, bullet points, stream of consciousness, or even poetry. Try some different methods and find the one that works best for you.
Journal Prompts / Discussion Questions from Today's Teaching
Psalm 61
Have you ever experienced a crisis of confidence or belief in your life? A moment where you are
wondering where God is in all this mess? Explain.
Read Psalm 61 and take a few moments to experience the emotion expressed through the
words. Think of the context regarding David’s life at this time.
What is happening in your life at this moment that you need to call out to God regarding?
In what position do you see yourself in your journey? Explain. Are you trusting God in that
moment and realizing that confidence is gained in the struggle?
Are you seeking what God can do for you or have you come to the realization that the greatest
blessing is His presence? Is He enough?
Journal Prompts / Discussion Questions for This Week's Reading
Psalm 62
Silence sinks a shaft to bedrock. It is the soul’s means for descending through the gravel of rebellion and doubt to the solid, quiet reality of God’s word. But the truth is we all struggle with silence. What are some rhythms that you have in place that can work through the struggle of silence and solitude?
Psalm 63
The most authentic and intense desires can be completed only in relation to God. The same God who created appetites in us has also created the means to their satisfaction. Can you identify people or things in your life that have become “disordered” desires that feed the flesh rather than the soul?
Psalm 64
We do not have to “dress up,” either inwardly or outwardly when we come to God in prayer. We do not have to hide our anger, suppress our distress, or mask our irritability. It is all right to complain to God. Read John 14:26-28. How does knowing God as your counselor change the posture of your heart in prayer?
Psalm 65
The person reconciled to God has eyes to see the hand of God in the soil and the seasons. We learn very little about God from nature, but we see many signs of his bounty there. What we see cues us to join in praise of the God who provides such splendid fertility and stunning beauty. Describe a time when you were in awe of God’s creation. Allow that memory to spur you on like the psalmist to give Him praise.
Prayer
“First, God, I imagine that I want to live completely free, a rebel against all restraint—a lawless person. Then I imagine that I want to live completely secure, without any needs—a rich person. You expose both as vain fantasies: I will pour my heart out to you and find both liberty and security, through Jesus Christ. Amen.”
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