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 October 31st - November 7th
Psalms 41-45. Read and reflect on Psalm 42 in preparation for Sunday, November 8th'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
After reading Psalm 41 how or what did you feel?
Have you ever had a moment when even In consideration of knowing who God is you were anxious about your future?
Take a moment to honestly journal about that moment?
What are you most worried about at this very moment in your life?
Reread Matthew regarding the words of Jesus concern anxiety. Now that you have read Jesus’ words how differently will face future anxiety and worry?
Journal Prompts / Discussion Questions for This Week's Reading
Psalm 41 This psalm starts off by talking about caring for the poor, weak, and marginalized and then shifts to the experience of a man whose best friend (so-called) let him down at just the time he needed him most. How does the conclusion found in v.10-13 seem to tie this all together. Read the words of Jesus found in Matthew 5:7. How have you seen mercy given and received in your life recently?
Psalm 43 There is much in the world that conspires to induce a kind of anemia in the person of faith. Discouraged and anxious spirits are given this prescription: “Hope in God.” Hope fortifies faith to healthy praise. The question is, what kinds of "self-talk" do you find yourself speaking over your wearied soul? Does the narrative that plays in your mind reflect the hope of God or something different?
Psalm 44 This psalmist is dismayed by what is happening to his people (v. 9–13). But he experiences his present trouble in the perspective of the long-term faithfulness and power of God (v. 1—8). A good memory is a great asset for the Christian. Can you think of any "life altering" moments in your life that help remind you God's faithfulness and power? How can you cultivate a better practice of reflection in your daily life?
Psalm 45 This psalm has been read by many Christians as if the first part (v. 2–9) were adoration to Jesus Christ in all his splendor, and the second part (v. 10–17) counsel to the church, urging her to leave the things of the world for a new life as the bride of Christ. Which part of the psalm do you find yourself gravitating to the most. Why? Read Hebrews 1:8,9 and Revelation 19:7,8; 21:9; 22:17. How might these passages expound on these two parts of Psalm 45?
Prayer
Psalm 42: “As pants the heart for cooling streams when heated in the chase, so longs my soul, O God, for Thee, and Thy refreshing grace.” In Jesus’ name (Nahum Tate and Nicholas Brady, “As Pants the Heart”). Amen.”
