Winter 2016 Discipleship Group Materials
2410 Spencerville Road Spencerville, MD 20868
301.421.5949 ● www.crcc.org
Contents
Introduction 1
Week 1: Lord Have Mercy (Psalm 51) 5
Week 2: God Is Great (Psalms 103 & 104) 8
Week 3: Why, My Soul, Are You Downcast? (Psalms 42 & 43) 11
Week 4: The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23) 14
Week 5: Why, Lord, Do You Stand Far Off? (Psalm 10) 17
Week 6: Give Thanks To The Lord (Psalm 118) 19
Annex 1: Suggested Reading 22
Annex 2: Prayer Practices 23
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Introduction This six-week discipleship series builds on part 2 of the fall 2015 series, entitled “Prayer: Does
it Make a Difference?” which wrestled with the foundational issues of whether God hears and
acts on our behalf, and why prayer is important. The current series continues the exploration
of prayer by examining a selection of heartfelt songs, addressed to God or written about God
by a variety of authors over a period of several centuries, and recorded in the book of Psalms.
This series covers the six weeks of Lent, and provides an opportunity for self-reflection on our
emotional state, as well as the challenge to allow God to transform our emotions through
presenting them to God in prayer.
Overview Down through the ages, people of the Jewish and Christian faiths have treasured the Psalms.
They have read, prayed, and sung the Psalms to openly express a wide range of emotions to
God: from deep anxiety and fear, to exuberant joy and praise; from despondency and anger
at injustice, to firm confidence in God’s goodness and power to rescue; from sorrowful
repentance, to wonder at the compassion and unfailing love of God.
The Psalms demonstrate God’s graciousness in allowing us to come as we are, with all our
faith and doubts, and speak boldly and honestly to our Creator. Through the Psalms we see
that we do not need to sanitize our prayers, or frame them in religious language. Our God is
big enough, and loving enough, to hear—and heal—our hearts.
Lament and praise are equally valid forms of prayer. In fact, Old Testament scholar
Christopher Wright suggests, “It is precisely those who have the closest relationship with God
who feel most at liberty to pour out their pain in protest to God—without fear of reproach.
Lament is not only allowed in the Bible; it is modeled in abundance. God seems to want to
give us as many words with which to fill out our complaint forms as to write our thank-you
notes.”1
The Psalms are particularly appropriate for the season of Lent, which is traditionally a time of
introspection and taking stock of our lives and relationships. The writers of the Psalms search
their own hearts, and honestly express their thoughts and feelings to God. Laying their
emotions before God, the psalmists then challenge themselves to see beyond immediate
circumstances, and exhort themselves to trust and rest in God.
In addition, the writers of the New Testament see in the Psalms many prophecies that were
fulfilled in Jesus; and Jesus himself often quoted the Psalms, particularly during the final days
1 Wright, C. J. H. (2008). “The God I Don't Understand: Reflections on Tough Questions of Faith.” Zondervan
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and hours before his death. It is therefore apt to focus on these timeless prayer-songs as we
prepare our hearts to celebrate Jesus’ loving surrender on the cross and triumphant victory
over the grave.
The six weeks of the series will cover the following themes:
• February 14: Lord Have Mercy (Psalm 51)
The need for honest repentance, vulnerability and confession, confident in God’s
loving, limitless forgiveness.
• February 21: God Is Great (Psalms 103 & 104)
The call to worship in response to God’s majesty and faithfulness, leading to a new
perspective and a sense of God’s presence.
• February 28: Why, My Soul, Are You Downcast? (Psalms 42 & 43)
The challenge to speak honestly with God about our fears and emotions, and to trust
in God’s character, recognizing that God is the answer to anxiety and despair.
• March 6: The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23)
A declaration of trust in God based on personal experience, and of confidence that
God’s presence brings comfort, peace and hope in times of trouble.
• March 13: Why, Lord, Do You Stand Far Off? (Psalm 10)
A protest to God on behalf of the oppressed, a plea for God to take action, and a
statement of faith that God will uphold justice.
• March 20: Give Thanks To The Lord (Psalm 118)
Praise for God’s goodness and everlasting love; a song of victory for a new kind of
kingdom based on love, humility and sacrifice.
Our hope is that through this series all of us at Cedar Ridge will increasingly offer up our
praise and anger, our joy and despair, our faith and doubts to God in humble and honest
prayer—and be transformed in the process. May we increasingly become a community that
delights in God’s presence, as we commit ourselves to being and making disciples in
authentic community for the good of the world.
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Practicalities
• In this packet you will find the discussion questions for each week. Each of them
assumes you have heard the message for that week, so if you were not able to be at
Cedar Ridge that Sunday, please listen or watch the message online
(www.crcc.org/messages/).
• In all discipleship series, but particularly for a series focused on prayer, we encourage
you to leave ample time to pray together as a group. As with the previous series on
prayer, the intention is not just to learn about prayer but to actually pray!
• Prayer is for all of God’s children—whatever our age! Older children and youth will be
covering similar, age-appropriate material during their Sunday morning groups. We
encourage you to find creative ways to incorporate children and youth in your
discipleship group meetings, and to engage with them on the topic of prayer
throughout the week. To support this, each week contains a question or activity that is
suitable for children.
• The Psalms demonstrate how we can be perfectly honest with ourselves and with God
about our thoughts and feelings. Writing out these thoughts and feelings causes us to
slow down enough to attend to our inner being, and can help us gain a clearer
perspective. In journals, we can express ourselves to God and remind ourselves of
God’s greatness, love and mercy. Journals can also be a source of encouragement
during hard times, reminding us of God’s past faithfulness. We encourage you during
this season of Lent to use a journal to record your discussions, reflections and prayers,
and to share elements of them as appropriate during your group meetings.
• Annex 1 contains suggestions for additional reading on the Psalms. Annex 2 contains
information on prayer practices that have proved useful to followers of Jesus over the
centuries.
Additional Lenten Activities
• Ash Wednesday service—February 10, 7 – 8 p.m.
Join in an hour of prayer and reflection as we enter the forty-day Lenten season of self-
examination, which mirrors Christ’s forty days in the wilderness. We will acknowledge
our mortality with the refrain, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall
return,” and receive the mark of ashes as a physical sign of our frailty. When we
surrender to this sobering reality, we open ourselves to God’s healing power to
transform us and make us into “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”
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• Lenten Prayer and Self-Reflection—Saturday, February 13 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Through simple spiritual practices and time spent in quiet reflection, self-examination,
and prayer, we will move towards personal healing and a closer walk with Jesus.
Childcare will be available and a light breakfast will be provided. (Bring your own lunch.)
The event will be held in the historical Barn. To register, contact [email protected]
• Psalm-Writing Hour—February 28, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Hang out after the service and help write a psalm to be read at the Good Friday service!
No experience necessary. This will include some quiet writing time and lots of
interaction; older kids might enjoy this event. We will each write parts of the psalm and
then join them together in an original Cedar Ridge psalm. Childcare will be available
and light snacks will be provided. Room 202. For more information, contact
• Good Friday service—March 25, 7 – 8 pm
On this, the darkest of nights, we will remember the surrender, suffering, and death of
Jesus. Through sacred reading and music, prayerful reflection, and holy communion,
we will journey through the darkness to the cross, while keeping the hope of
resurrection in our hearts.
• Book Study Group—every Sunday, 8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
The Sunday Book Study Group is currently studying Philip Yancey's “Prayer: Does it
Make a Difference?” The group meets weekly in room 203 for an hour of discussion
before the morning service. Everyone is welcome. Contact Dave Martinsen
([email protected]) for more information.
• Prayer Gathering—alternate Mondays, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Join others from Cedar Ridge in a time of quiet reflection and prayer. The group meets
every other week in the Barn for 90 minutes of prayer for various issues related to
personal transformation and the strengthening of our community. Everyone is
welcome. Contact Kevin Sterling ([email protected]) for more information.
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Winter Discipleship Series 2016
Prayer Pilgrimage: A Lenten Journey through the Psalms
Week 1: Lord Have Mercy (Psalm 51) Psalm 51 is perhaps the most well known of seven “penitential psalms”. It is a heart-wrenching
confession, which is traditionally associated with King David and his treacherous relationship
with Bathsheba and all that ensued. There are no definite historical grounds for this
association, but that story (found in 1 Samuel 11&12) clearly represents the kind of human
fallibility and demise for which a psalm like this offers forgiveness and hope.
Psalm 51 is based on two fundamental realities. The first is that God is good, loving, forgiving
and able to handle our brokenness. The second is that humanity deeply desires be forgiven.
We simply have to find a place to go with all the things we have done; a place where we can
honestly face them in all their uncovered ugliness, bring them into the light, and let go of
them. That is the power of confession; bringing light to the darkness. This can only begin with
a desperate and ruthless honesty with ourselves, where we stop making any excuses at all, own
what we have done, recognize the damage we have caused, and throw ourselves into the
forgiving arms of God.
The psalm is dark, painful and uncomfortable, and yet full of hope. It points to change from the
inside out and a new way of living that overcomes the darkness of the past. Through it we are
all invited to participate in confession, vulnerability and forgiveness as a means to personal and
social renewal.
This week’s discussion questions 1. Read through Psalm 51
• What stands out to you about this psalm?
• Are there any issues in this psalm that seem important to you but were not
mentioned in the message on Sunday? Why are they important to you?
2. This psalm has traditionally been associated with the ancient Hebrew King David, and
specifically the story of his relationship with Bathsheba. You can read all about this in 2
Samuel 11 & 12, or refer back to what the speaker shared about this story on Sunday.
• In what ways does Psalm 51 relate to the story?
• In what ways can you identify with David in the story?
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3. We are in the beginning of Lent, which is traditionally a time of self-reflection and
penitence (i.e., showing remorse for what we have done wrong).
• In what ways is focusing on remorse a healthy thing for us?
• What might be some dangers of focusing on remorse, and how could we
prevent them?
4. Psalm 51 is all about the deep desire for forgiveness.
• What are some of the metaphors used to describe this deep desire to be
“clean”?
• How do you relate to this desire? In what ways do you need forgiveness?
• What does this psalm say about God’s love and mercy?
• How easy (or hard) is it for you to experience God as love, mercy and
forgiveness?
5. What in the psalm suggests that the author is aware of his/her wrongdoing?
• Have you observed anyone who seems oblivious to the fact that they are in need
of forgiveness?
• Can you describe a time when you have been blind to a particular fault or
wrongdoing? How did you come to a realization of the fact? How did this change
you?
6. Read James 5:16, which talks about openly sharing and confessing our faults with one
another.
• Why do you think confession is so hard for us?
• Have you ever shared a deep, dark secret with anyone? Describe the experience
(even if you prefer not to give the specific details).
• Is this a story you could share with the group? (No one should be pressured to do
this.)
• What was the outcome for you personally? What was the outcome for the
person with whom you shared?
7. What does it mean to have a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:16)?
• How can we make this a way of life?
• How might living vulnerably like this change us?
• How might living like this change the world?
8. Are there past actions or ongoing attitudes for which you desire forgiveness? Take
some time to pray for one another to know the freedom of God’s forgiveness, and to
receive God’s strength for reconciliation and renewal.
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Personal reflection Practice the discipline of confession this week. Early in the week set aside time to reflect in
your life considering the following two questions:
1. Am I harboring any secret darkness that I have not shared with anyone else but that
I know is eating me up?
2. Do you I tend to judge others for their faults and failings?
If the first reflection resonates with you think about a faithful friend or counselor that you
know could handle you sharing this with them if you were able to find the courage to do so
(this might even be someone in your group). Set up a time to share with them before the
end of the week, and when you have shared ask them to pray with you.
If nothing comes to the surface on the first reflection focus your week on the second one.
Read Matthew 7:1-5 each morning and make an intention throughout the day not to judge.
When a situation arises where you instinctively want to judge or criticize someone, instead
reflect on you own frailty and weakness and briefly pray for the other person and for mercy
for yourself.
Note your thoughts, feelings and prayers in a journal.
Reflection with children Each night this week, at the dinner table or before bed, talk to your child(ren) about their
day. Ask what made them happy today; what made them laugh; what made them sad. Ask
if there is anything they wish they could change about the day—perhaps someone was
mean to them, or they did something they regret. Talk to them about how God forgives us
when we make mistakes and wants us to forgive others. Pray a simple prayer with your
child(ren) to say sorry to God, to thank God that we are forgiven, and to pray for those who
do wrong to us.
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Winter Discipleship Series 2016
Prayer Pilgrimage: A Lenten Journey through the Psalms
Week 2: God Is Great (Psalms 103 & 104) These two psalms are a call to worship. They are hymns celebrating the greatness of God, and
they highlight a variety of divine characteristics that evoke worship. Even though both psalms
assert that worship is a natural and unforced response to the majesty, beauty, compassion and
goodness of God, they both begin and end with a command to self: “Praise the Lord, O my
soul!” This challenges us as readers to step out of our own temporal, subjective reality and
reach out into the eternal, transcendent mystery of the universe. Through this spiritual
discipline we gain a different perspective and are lifted up.
Psalm 103 is structured to present God as one whose government is based on justice and
mercy. God is great because God is full of love and compassion, forgives us, and nurtures us
like a father. God is everlastingly faithful to us, reaching out to us in our human condition with
all its frailty and transience. We are thereby enveloped in the eternal divine embrace. Psalm
104 presents God as creator and celebrates creation. It does so in great poetic detail with a
structure based very closely on the Genesis account and the worldview of the ancient Near
East. We are drawn into worship through our experience, understanding and participation in
nature.
This week’s discussion questions 1. What was your experience with practicing the discipline of confession this week? What
feelings or insights do you want to share with the group?
2. What struck you about the message on Sunday? What did you find most helpful? What
was most difficult or challenging?
3. Psalms 103 and 104 represent calls to worship.
• What does “worship” mean to you?
• What does it look like?
• Does worship of God come naturally to you?
• What inspires you to worship God?
• Spend some time as a group sharing about your experiences with worship: this
could be personal and private experiences of worship, or in our own church
community or in other churches. What has been most meaningful for you?
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4. Psalms 103 and 104 begin and end with “Praise the Lord, O my soul.”
• What could this command (or self-injunction) look like for you?
• How would you express it and how would you respond to it?
5. What are various ways in which we can express praise (or worship) to God?
6. Psalm 103 describes different ways in which God engages us and calls us to worship
accordingly. How do the following divine characteristics evoke worship for you? Which
come more easily and which are harder?
• God as just and merciful ruler
• God as loving communicator
• God as forgiver
• God as loving father
• God as bearer of the weak and broken
• God as faithful and eternal
7. Psalm 104 presents God as creator of the universe and the one in whom all is held
together.
• How does nature evoke worship?
• This psalm is written in great detail but in an ancient Near Eastern worldview.
How might such detail look in a 21st century worldview? How might this detail
lead to worship?
8. How could you make worship a more regular part of your spiritual practice? Take some
time now to offer up prayers of praise and worship to God together as a group.
Personal reflection Practice the discipline of worship this week. Set aside 15 minutes every day in which you
will challenge “your soul” to “bless the Lord”. Work this into a setting that works best for
you. This might be while you are outside in nature or could be while alone and in complete
silence. You might use a time while traveling to work, but make sure you set aside time
when you will be free from distractions.
Spend time giving thanks for all the positive things in your life: friends, family, job, home,
etc. Then move onto to reflect on the characteristics of God highlighted in Psalms 103 &
104 (refer to the list in discussion question 6). Dwell on the one you feel most drawn to and
which most easily evokes worship from you. Invite this aspect of God to overwhelm you
and allow yourself to get caught up in the wonder of it all.
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Reflection with children Help your child(ren) to create their own mini-psalm of praise and worship. Each day this
week, ask them to suggest words to fill in the blanks in the two sentences below. Try not to
repeat any answers from the previous days!
Thank you God for making ________________________________________________.
I love you God because you are ____________________________________________.
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Winter Discipleship Series 2016
Prayer Pilgrimage: A Lenten Journey through the Psalms
Week 3: Why, My Soul, Are You Downcast? (Psalms 42 & 43) Psalms 42 and 43 are two of the many psalms of lament. Such psalms typically include a
complaint to God, an affirmation of trust, and a petition for God’s intervention. In Psalms 42
and 43, we see the writer struggling with feelings of distance from God’s presence.
Circumstances and emotions conspire to leave the psalmist feeling inwardly crushed and
completely overwhelmed. This leads to fears of being forgotten or even rejected by God.
However, despite this distress, the psalmist resolves to argue his/her case with God: to speak
openly, to express doubts with desperate honesty, and to demand justice. The writer trusts
that God is able to hear such “venting” and will respond to authentic appeals for help and
comfort.
Furthermore, even in the midst of these waves of despair, the psalmist speaks to his/her self
with a voice of faith, recalling the character of God as one who is loving and trustworthy. The
psalms issue a call to remember who God is, and to commit to waiting expectantly for God to
act. God is present, whether felt or not; and feelings of abandonment will not last forever. The
psalms challenge us to seek God—not simply to petition God for changes in our circumstances,
but to experience the presence of God as the answer to all our anxiety and despair.
This week’s discussion questions 1. What was your experience with practicing the discipline of worship this week? What
feelings or insights do you want to share with the group?
2. What struck you about the message on Sunday? What did you find most helpful? What
was most difficult or challenging?
3. Read Psalms 42 and 43. In these psalms, the writer expresses a wide range of emotions.
Which of these emotions resonate with you at this moment? Why?
4. In verses 1-2, the psalmist expresses longing for God. Think of a time you felt distant
from God. What do you think were the reasons for this? How did you feel, and what did
you do?
5. Read Psalm 17:15. Psalms 42 and 43 (as well as many of the other psalms) express a
belief that God’s presence is our most fundamental need. In what ways have you found
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this to be true? In what ways have you found this to be insufficient?
6. In verse 7, the psalmist appears to blame God for causing his/her feelings of being
overwhelmed. When times are hard, we can respond in a number of ways: from
blaming God, to blaming ourselves or others; from considering God the cause of our
circumstances, to believing God to be absent. What is your typical response towards
God in hard times? Why do you think this is the case?
7. The writer of this psalm does not shy away from confronting God (see 42:9, 43:2). In
what ways do you think it is acceptable to “wrestle” with God? Are there ways in which
you feel this is not appropriate or can be dangerous? Is this kind of interaction with God
something that comes natural to you? Why do you think this is so?
8. The psalmist counsels his/her soul to “hope in God.” What is the writer’s basis for this
hope?
9. The writer describes God in the following ways:
• Savior (42:5, 11; 43:5)
• Having steadfast love (42:8)
• Present through the night (42:8)
• “God of my life”—personal, ever present (42:8)
• A rock (42:9)
• A refuge (43:2)
• One who guides (43:3)
• Source of joy (43:4)
Which of these descriptions most inspires you to hope? What other characteristics of
God give you hope?
10. In what areas of your life are you most in need of hope? Take some time to pray for one
another in these areas of need.
Personal reflection In Psalm 42: 6, the psalmist declares: “My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will
remember you.” Remembering times when we have felt close to God can stir up hope for the
future. Consider the following situations, and make notes on at least four of them in your
journal.
Remember when…
• Loving adults sheltered, nurtured, protected, and taught you as you were growing up.
Who were they?
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• Devastating circumstances shattered your world, and you learned first-hand of people's
compassion and generosity. What happened?
• A hard-earned lesson left you older and wiser, with the experience you need to
sympathize with and guide others. Who have you been able to help?
• Serious health problems brought you to a heightened appreciation of life. How has your
outlook changed for the better?
• The loss of a loved one made you realize how important friends and family are to you.
What have you said and done to show them how much they mean?
• Your hopes were dashed, but a new and better opportunity presented itself. Which
door closed, and which door opened?
• Times were tough, but you survived them. How has this given you perspective on the
ups and downs of life?
• You were in danger, but found a way out. Where was God in this?
• You found yourself on the wrong spiritual path, but someone guided you back to the
way God would have you go. What did you learn?
• You repented, and God brought his peace to your mind and heart. How did this draw
you closer to God?2
Reflection with children Tell the story of one of the situations from the reflection exercise above with your child(ren)
in terms they will understand. Explain that God was with you even in a sad or difficult time.
Ask them if they can think of a time when they were sad or afraid: What happened? Do
they think God was with them during this time? Why do they feel this way?
Say a simple prayer with your child(ren) thanking God for the promise that God will always
be with us—in good times and in hard times.
2 From Mitchell, P. (2011) Remember! Christianity Today.
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Winter Discipleship Series 2016
Prayer Pilgrimage: A Lenten Journey through the Psalms
Week 4: The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23) Psalm 23 is probably the most loved and well known of all the psalms. A “Psalm of David”
(either by King David, or reflecting the life of David), it is a psalm that praises God and
expresses trust in God, based on the psalmist’s own experience. While God is often portrayed
as the shepherd of Israel, in this psalm, the epithet is personal: the Lord is my shepherd. The
psalmist views God as a good shepherd who provides for the beloved sheep. However, the
mood of Psalm 23 is hardly idyllic. Darkness and evil are evident, and it is only God’s presence
that provides comfort and hope for the future.
This psalm challenges us to trust God even during difficult times. But trusting God is a
vulnerable endeavor. We cannot know for sure if the difficult circumstances and troubles we
journey through really “mean” anything, and we are not guaranteed to triumph over them. We
are called to become vulnerable, and to trust in God’s goodness and love both in green
pastures and in the darkest valley. By submitting ourselves to the care of the shepherd, we can
know peace all the days of our life.
This week’s discussion questions 1. What was your experience this week with practicing remembering God’s presence in
your life? What feelings, memories or insights do you want to share with the group?
2. What struck you about the message on Sunday? What did you find most helpful? What
was most difficult or challenging? How did hearing a youth perspective impact your
response to this psalm?
3. Read Psalm 23. Echoing David’s youthful occupation as a shepherd boy, the psalmist
describes God as a shepherd. Drawing on your own experience and roles in life, how
might you describe God and why?
4. What does it mean to "lack nothing" (verse 1)? In what ways is this true in your
experience? In what ways is it not true?
5. In what ways does God “refresh” your soul (verse 3)?
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6. What things did you fear when you were a child? How were you taught to deal with
fear? How have your coping strategies changed over time? How do you relate to God
during times of fear and anxiety?
7. In verse 5 it says that God "Prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies."
What do you think this means? What is the significance of "enemies" being there?
8. In verse 6, the writer confidently declares: “Surely your goodness and love will follow
me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” In what
ways do you share the writer’s confidence? In what ways do you not?
9. What is one situation in your life that represents a source of refreshment (quiet waters)
and/or one situation that is a source of fear (darkest valley)? Share this with the group.
Take some time to pray for each other in these areas.
Personal reflection Each day this week, meditate on a different verse of Psalm 23. Read the verse slowly,
several times. Take a moment to be quiet and let the words sink in. Is there a word or
phrase that somehow speaks to you or touches you? Allow memories, thoughts or
situations evoked by the word to rise up gently. Allow God to reveal to you how the word or
phrase applies to your life. Open your heart to God and honestly share how you feel about
your experience with the verse.
Record your thoughts and prayers in your journal.
Reflection with children Teach your child(ren) one verse of Psalm 23 each day. Explain what the verse means and
then help your child(ren) memorize it. On the next page is a version of Psalm 23 from the
International Children’s Bible.
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1 The Lord is my shepherd.
I have everything I need.
2 He gives me rest in green pastures.
He leads me to calm water.
3 He gives me new strength.
For the good of his name,
he leads me on paths that are right.
4 Even if I walk through a very dark valley,
I will not be afraid because you are with me.
Your rod and your shepherd’s staff comfort me.
5 You prepare a meal for me in front of my enemies.
You pour oil of blessing on my head.
You give me more than I can hold.
6 Surely your goodness and love will be with me all my life.
And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
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Winter Discipleship Series 2016
Prayer Pilgrimage: A Lenten Journey through the Psalms
Week 5: Why, Lord, Do You Stand Far Off? (Psalm 10) Psalm 10 is a prayer for times of distress, particularly in the face of injustice and oppression.
This and other psalms of lament invite us into a closeness and authenticity with God that
welcomes questions, complaints, and expressions of confidence in God. The psalm opens with
a protest that God is hiding in some far off place while arrogant oppressors are getting away
with murder. The powerful are taking advantage of the powerless, and God is nowhere to be
found. The psalmist cries out to God: Wake up! Do something!
Then the writer, with confidence in God’s character as the helper of the weak, asks God to
break the power of the oppressors and thwart their plans. The prayer ends with a statement of
faith that God will see and hear the cry of the oppressed, and that the oppressors will not
terrorize forever. Psalm 10, alongside of Jesus’s teaching in Luke 6, provides a potential model
for reaching out to God in the midst of distress and injustice. It is an invitation to be real and
honest with God when the world around us is not what God intends.
This week’s discussion questions 1. What was your experience with meditating on Psalm 23 this week? What feelings or
insights do you want to share with the group?
2. What struck you about the message on Sunday? What did you find most helpful? What
was most difficult or challenging?
3. In Psalm 10:1, the psalmist complains or “protests” about the apparent absence of God
in the face of injustice. As you reflect on injustices you have witnessed or experienced,
have you ever wondered, “Where is God in all of this?” If you feel comfortable, share
your experience with the group.
4. In verses 2-11, the psalmist candidly “pinpoints” the problem: a situation in which the
arrogant and powerful are oppressing and destroying the weak and powerless. Is there
a current situation that comes to your mind that seems to parallel the psalmist’s
experience?
5. How might the psalmist’s request or “petition” in verses 12-15 shape how you pray
about similar situations today?
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6. Verses 16-18 are a statement of faith and “praise” that the Lord will pull through on
behalf of the oppressed. Do you share the psalmist’s hopeful confidence about the
situation that you are concerned about? Why or why not?
7. Read Luke 6:27-28. How does the teaching of Jesus relate to Psalm 10? In your opinion,
does Jesus’ teaching here contradict or complement Psalm 10?
8. During 2015, as a community we spent time thinking about specific areas of injustice,
particularly racial injustice, local and global economic injustice, and violence waged in
the name of religion. Take some time to pray about one or more of these issues as a
group.
Personal reflection Each day this week, pray about situations of injustice and violence in our world. Using
Psalm 10 and Luke 6:27-28 as a guide, pray that justice might prevail, and that love would
lead to repentance and reconciliation.
Reflection with children Depending on how much your children are exposed to news of current events, talk with
them about how we can seek God in the midst of these circumstances. Set an example for
how we might pray in the midst of crises and injustices. Encourage them to express
emotions such as confusion, anger and hope.
Talk to your children about situations of bullying that they are aware of or have
experienced. Allow them to be open with you (and with God) about how those situations
make them feel. Provide guidance from the Scriptures studied this week about how they
can include God in their response to those circumstances.
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Winter Discipleship Series 2016
Prayer Pilgrimage: A Lenten Journey through the Psalms
Week 6: Give Thanks To The Lord (Psalm 118) This psalm is the last of the Hallel (Hebrew for “praise”)—a series of praise psalms used in
important religious feasts even to this day. The Hallel give thanks to God for the deliverance of
Israel from its enemies, and even celebrate political and military victories. Psalm 118 includes a
section (vs. 5-18) with this kind of celebration, which could have been sung either by a king
returning from a recent victory in battle, or by priests rejoicing over the historic deliverance of
Israel from slavery in Egypt or the return from exile in Babylon. It seems to have been used in a
religious procession (vs. 19-27) that passed through gates (possibly entering the city of
Jerusalem or the temple, or both). The psalm begins and ends with a call to give thanks for the
Lord’s goodness and everlasting love as evidenced by God’s faithful deliverance and care of the
people.
The psalm is closely associated with Palm Sunday because the crowds quote it when Jesus
enters Jerusalem. The procession of Jesus and his followers along with the people’s
expectations that Jesus would bring political and military liberation made this association very
easy. But the story of Palm Sunday shows Jesus enacting a very different interpretation of
Psalm 118 and a very different interpretation of God’s goodness and everlasting love. It is a
love that inspires him to challenge the religious establishment in the temple, and rather than
associate with power and victory, Jesus stands with the blind, the lame, and with children.
Jesus is bringing a totally different kind of “government”; a kingdom where the weak are lifted
up and where leadership is defined not by power or success but by love, humility and sacrifice.
Jesus leads a different kind of procession—one that leads him to the cross.
This week’s discussion questions 1. What was your experience with praying for situations of injustice and violence this
week? What feelings or thoughts do you want to share with the group?
2. What insights did you gain from the message this past Sunday? What was most helpful
for you? What was difficult for you?
3. Read Psalm 118.
• In what ways could this psalm be interpreted as being about personal protection
and deliverance?
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• In what ways could this psalm have been a celebration of political or military
victory?
• What are some of the dangers of associating religious celebration with military
power?
• In what ways do we see or experience this association in present day life?
• How should we respond to this as followers of Jesus?
4. To whom do you think the “stone the builders rejected” refers in verse 22?
• How do you identify personally with this metaphor?
• Why does Jesus refer to himself in this way in Matthew 21:42-44?
5. On Palm Sunday (March 20) we remembered the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem
recounted in Matthew 21:1-17 (read this passage).
• Why do you think the crowds quote Psalm 118:26 in the story (Matthew 21:9)?
• In what other ways does this story invoke Psalm 118?
6. In what ways does Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the subsequent events in the story
interpret Psalm 118 in a very different way?
7. What does Jesus’ behavior in the temple and his interaction with the blind, the lame,
children and priests (Matthew 21:12-16) say about God’s “goodness” and God’s love
that “endures forever” (Psalm 118:1 & 29)?
8. On Palm Sunday we celebrated commitment. During Lent we have explored the
Psalms.
• Looking back over the past few weeks, what has specifically challenged you
most?
• In what ways do you plan to respond to that challenge?
• What commitment do you intend to make as a result? Spend some time praying for each other as you commit to responding to these
challenges.
Personal reflection During Holy Week, take time each day to reflect on question 8 above. Each day read one of
the psalms from this series and look back on your notes from the discussion. What one
issue stands out for you personally? How do you want to incorporate that challenge as you
go into Easter and beyond? What needs to die in you? What needs to come to life in you?
Invite God into this challenge with you, and pray for God’s life and spirit to fill you.
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Activity with children
Resurrection Rolls
These treats are not only delicious but also a good way of emphasizing the point that the tomb
where Jesus was laid was empty on Easter morning.
Ingredients
• 1 can of refrigerated crescent rolls *8 marshmallows
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 Tbs. ground cinnamon
• 2 Tbs. sugar
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
2. Separate crescent rolls into individual triangles.
3. Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl.
4. Give each child a marshmallow, and tell them it stands for Jesus.
5. Have the children dip their marshmallow into the melted butter and cinnamon/sugar
mixture. The butter and cinnamon/sugar are like the oil and spices that were rubbed on
Jesus’ body.
6. Give each child a crescent roll triangle and explain that this represents the cloth that
Jesus’ body was wrapped in. Have the child completely wrap the triangle over the
marshmallow and seal the edges together.
7. Place in the oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Explain that the oven is like the
tomb Jesus was placed in.
8. When the rolls have been removed and cooled, have the children open their “tombs” to
see that they are empty inside. Jesus has risen! (The marshmallow melts but the roll
remains puffed up—empty.)
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Winter Discipleship Series 2016
Prayer Pilgrimage: A Lenten Journey through the Psalms
Annex 1: Suggested Reading
The Book of Psalms: A Translation with Commentary by Robert Alter
The Case for the Psalms: Why They Are Essential by N.T. Wright
Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis
Praying the Psalms: Engaging Scripture and the Life of the Spirit by Walter Brueggemann
Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer by Eugene Peterson
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Winter Discipleship Series 2016
Prayer Pilgrimage: A Lenten Journey through the Psalms
Annex 2: Prayer Practices
Pray in silence together Spend five minutes in prayer without words, enjoying stillness and quiet, allowing the peace of
the Holy Spirit to settle in the room. Children may be surprisingly attentive and receptive to
stillness if adults around them are calm, quiet and still. Children will certainly take notice!
Simply enjoy the presence of one another and the presence of God. You may want to begin
with a short prayer aloud to invite the presence of the Spirit, and close the time with “Amen.”
Pray a common theme Pray the same theme together. Each person, in turn, says a sentence contributing to the prayer
time. For example, you might choose a prayer of thanksgiving, or a prayer of intercession, or a
prayer asking God to help you change. Children engage very easily with this kind of prayer,
especially sharing a “good” part of the day, and a “least favorite” part.
Active prayer sentence The “active prayer sentence,” also known as “hesychasm,” comes from the Eastern Orthodox
tradition. Choose a short phrase and repeat it over and over, as its meaning settles into the
heart. The most well-known is the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” Short
phrases from scripture work well, such as “Create in me a clean heart, O God” or “Lord I
believe, help my unbelief.” Prayers can be repeated rhythmically in time with breathing.
Pray for one another People in the group share prayer requests aloud and then take turns praying aloud for one
another. Brief prayers are good—it can be enough to ask, “Lord Jesus, please help
___________.” This can be a powerful way for group members to support one another with
struggles and challenges in their lives. Some people may take time to “warm up,” so feel free
to use this as a closing, if that works best.
Pray with the Holy Spirit Agree on a time of unstructured open silence and invite people to pray as prompted and
inspired by the Holy Spirit. People should not feel pressured to pray aloud and it should be
stated that silent prayer is as valuable as praying out loud—no one should feel the need to fill
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the silence with words. This kind of Spirit-led prayer allows people to recognize the presence of
God’s Spirit moving in the group. Close with a simple prayer aloud or “Amen.”
Breathing the breath of life Sit comfortably with your back straight, your shoulders back, and your feet on the floor. Listen
to your breath as you breathe. Feel your breath in your nostrils, chest and abdomen, inhaling
and then exhaling fully and deeply—hold your exhale a bit longer than usual to completely
expel air. Breathing accompanied by prayer will awaken you to God’s presence as you “breathe
in” the love of God and calm your mind, heart and body. Use a short phrase that can be
repeated interiorly in rhythm with breathing. Pray a prayer from scripture or from your heart,
like “I breathe in Christ and all that is good,” and then “I breathe out Christ and release all that
is fearful and false.” Continue the practice for five or ten minutes, always conscious of God’s
love infusing your being. (Children can easily engage with this kind of praying. You can ask
them to lie down and watch their stomach rise and fall as they breathe, or close their eyes and
listen to the sound of their breathing through their mouth or nostrils.)
Centering prayer Find a time and place where you can sit comfortably with as few distractions as possible.
Ideally, you will be able to set aside 20 minutes for this practice. Set a timer so you do not have
to think about it. Select a “sacred word” or “prayer word” that will symbolize your intent and
consent to focus only on God during this time. It should be short and not distract you.
Something simple like love, God, Jesus, peace will be fine. The word itself is not important—
the intent to surrender is what’s important.
Close your eyes and tell God that you are willing to release your whole being in order to be one
with God and that you are offering your sacred word to signify your intent. Ask Jesus to help
you. Begin by slowly and silently letting the word rest in your mind. This is not a mantra to be
repeated, it is only to signify intent, and your word will slowly drift away along with your
thoughts. Whenever you notice a thought, emotion or memory, silently and gently offer your
prayer word to replace it. Let your thoughts float by—do not be distressed by their presence,
just acknowledge them and let them go with the help of your sacred word. Even “spiritual”
thoughts or prayers—let them all go and allow God to work in your mind and heart,
unencumbered by your “self.” At the end of your time, remain in silence with your eyes closed
for a few minutes, allowing your thoughts to return.
The Examen This is best practiced in the evening as you look back over that day’s activities. Sit comfortably
in silence with your back straight, feet planted on the floor, arms relaxed and hands supported
in your lap. Close your eyes and relax your shoulders. To begin, listen to your breath as you
breathe. Feel your breath in your nostrils, chest and abdomen, inhaling and then exhaling fully
and deeply—hold your exhale a bit longer than usual to completely expel air. Continue with
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regular rhythmic deep breathing. Allow tension to fade away from your body, and your spirit to
be at peace.
Think back over the previous day (or the period of time since your last Examen). Trace the
story of your life during this period of time and observe what happened. As you do so, consider
the following two questions but remember not to evaluate or judge yourself; just be honest:
1) At what times during your story did you experience God’s presence? What happened?
How was God present? Were you aware of God being present at the time, or is it only
now as you look back that you realize it? What did you do that enabled you to
experience God? What was the outcome?
2) At what times during your story were you resistant to God’s presence? What happened?
How did you resist? Were you aware of resisting, or is it only now as you look back that
you realize it? What were your feelings or beliefs about the situation and any person(s)
involved, including yourself and God? What was the outcome? How could you have
thought, acted or believed in a way that would have embraced the reality of God’s
presence, and channeled more love into the situation, with the person or yourself?
When you have finished reflecting on your story, continue with deep breathing for a few more
minutes. Consider what these reflections reveal to you about what God is like. Invite God into
the story that lies ahead of you, and ask God to reveal more of God’s being to you. Ask God to
help you be more embracing of God’s presence tomorrow.
Practicing presence Prepare. Begin to let go of all thought of the future or past. Focus on your breathing. As you
inhale, allow the Holy Spirit to come in as you breathe. As you exhale, let go of anxiety, stress
and fear.
Be present to where you are. Consider the environment around you—your space, the natural
beauty you may see, smells, sounds, the people nearby. Truly notice these things and thank
God for providing them.
Be present to who you are. Ask God to show you what you are feeling at this moment. Where
is there anxiety or concern? What are your emotions? Are you happy or sad? Ask the Holy Spirit
to show you what you are trying to control, and release it.
Be present to God. Rest in this awareness, being mindful of where you are and who you are,
and that God loves you and is present with you.
To close this time of prayer, thank God for being present and for loving you, and slowly return
to your activities, bringing the Holy Spirit with you. Repeat often.