Week 45: July 19-24
Psalm 12-47
GodSpeak readings for each day are listed below. Click the link to read the section and/or listen online. A discussion question is listed below for you to use in your GodSpeak group session or for discussion with others who are reading along.
Monday, July 19 Psalm 12-17 Read & Listen Online (Click “Audio” link to listen)
1. Elections are upon us this week. Concerns for what lies ahead are to be expected. What hope can you draw from these promises of God in Psalms 12 through 17: Psalm 12:5–7; Psalm 13:3–5; Psalm 16:5–6; Psalm 17:6–7?
Tuesday, July 20 Psalm 18-22 Read & Listen Online (Click “Audio” link to listen)
2. Psalms 18 and 19 seem to form one great song in which David praises God for using His might and strength to protect and care for His people. Identify and explain to your group several pictures of God’s strength in these two psalms that bring you comfort and joy?
Wednesday, July 21 Psalm 23-28 Read & Listen Online (Click “Audio” link to listen)
3. What is your favorite game to play? What is your favorite vacation spot? All of us have our favorites. Psalms 23–28 contain Bible passages that have become favorites of many people. Look at these passages: Psalm 23:1; Psalm 24:7; Psalm 25:7; Psalm 26:8; Psalm 27:1; Psalm 28:7. What is the message of each one? What makes them favorites? In these psalms, what is your favorite passage? Explain why it is especially meaningful to you.
Thursday, July 22 Psalm 29-34 Read & Listen Online (Click “Audio” link to listen)
4. Psalms 29–34 mention many blessing that God has given His people. In Christ we are these “saints” (Psalm 34:9), “children” (Psalm 34:11), and “righteous” (Psalm 34:19) who are the recipients of those blessings. Identify some blessings of God that, in Christ, are especially meaningful to you. Try these as starters: Psalm 29:11; Psalm 30:2; Psalm 31:21–22; Psalm 32:5; Psalm 33:4–5; Psalm 34:17–18. Use a circle prayer to thank God for your many blessings in Christ.
Friday, July 23 Psalm 35-41 Read & Listen Online (Click “Audio” link to listen)
5. David is the author of Psalms 35–41. In them we see David as a real human being, like us. He anguishes over the plots and skullduggery that his enemies use against him and asks God to pay them back (Psalm 35:1–8). He is burdened by the horrible sins that people can commit (Psalm 36:4), and he shudders at his own sin (Psalm 38:5–8). Yet he turns it all over to God. Read and discuss these passages to let God’s Word help you when you share David’s feelings: Psalm 35:22; Psalm 36:5–6; Psalm 37:1–4; Psalm 38:15, 21–22; Psalm 39:7–8; Psalm 40:4; Psalm 41:13.
Saturday, July 24 Psalm 42-47 Read & Listen Online (Click “Audio” link to listen)
6. Psalms 42 and 43 form one prayer and they have a common refrain. Read it together (Psalm 42:5, 11; Psalm 43:5). Then make a prayer list from the concerns of your group and use this refrain after laying each concern before the Lord in prayer. Rejoice in the promises of God that your prayers will be answered just as surely as Christ is risen from the dead.
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