Individual studies
Psalm 112
- What characteristics does the psalmist say about those who fear the Lord?
- Some of the verses, especially vv2-3, do not agree with all people we know who fear God. How should we apply these verses to what God hopes about those who fear him?
- The psalm further says such people will be generous and have a good influence. While we might not be such a successful or outgoing person, we can be generous, have a positive influence, and make other positive contributions to those close to us. Think of those who feel uneasy about relationships or the social environment (or it could be us): how might we help them be generous and have a positive influence?
- At some point, we will become fearful about what might happen to us, and increasingly self-conscious. How does this psalm help us to hold on to God? See v7 for a start.
- The author of this question finds v4 regarding the “light” very encouraging. What is the most encouraging verse for you?
The Upright Shall Be Blessed
Psalm 112: hymn
In preparation:
- “The Upright Shall be Blessed” (hymn)
Psalm 13
- Recall personal situations or experience when this psalm is relevant. Why?
- I (who wrote these questions) had to endure about a 30-minute walk with a physical injury, with no other options but to keep walking. Imagine you are come to the aid of someone like me, what might you do?
- In v2, the psalmist complained about wrestling in thought. But it’s evident too that he is complaining about his enemies. Discuss in our group to what extent we can struggle in our thoughts.
- What is the most costly thing that could happen to the psalmist as written in this psalm?
- The psalm suggests our faith meets our physical, mental and spiritual needs. What words or phrases might be relevant for this?
How Long Will You Look the Other Way?
Psalm 13: anthem
In preparation:
- “How Long Will You Look the Other Way” (anthem)
Incline your ear, Lord, and hear my cry.
Group studies
Psalm 24
- This is a psalm that glorifies God and sets out how we are blessed in is creation. What is peculiar in v2 is the reference to the “seas and rivers”. Why not the land? Genesis 1:6-10 might give a clue.
- Verse 4: “clean hands” and “pure heart”. Good News Translation is “pure in act and thought”. Jesus saves us from our rebellious nature, and the Holy Spirit prompts us to be pure. Share in your group examples of how God has recently guided you in this respect.
- Another peculiar reference is to the “ancient doors” or “everlasting doors”. This depicts the entrance to a most significant place. Consider in your group: what reasons there might be to say to the gates to “lift up your heads”?
- The psalmist appears to be in a jubilant mood, repeating vv7-8 immediately in vv-9-10. Have you come across something similar, where somebody keeps repeating something?
- What is the most important lesson for you in this psalm? In your group, write all your “lessons”, each in a short sentence, in the form of a poster.
Who May Stand in His Holy Place?
Psalm 24: song
Psalm 25
- What does the psalm say about who God is and what bad state the world is in?
- In vv1- 6, thinking of our needs at the moment, what is the most important thing the psalmist asks God for?
- The psalmist asks God not to remember him in certain ways. Instead, he asks God to remember in what ways?
- Reflect on the time when we were not eating well, heart rate is consistently faster than usual, or our skin turns cold for a slightest hint of problem. Focus on one example before going to the next question.
- From the previous question: we might find that vv8-10 are helpful that we can approach God with what’s happening to us, and God promises us that he will help. Take turn in the group and explain briefly to each other which verse is the most useful to each of us.
- After we read through the whole psalms, identify the different ways we might be attacked by others. What might be some similarities and differences compared to what the psalmist experienced in psalm?
- This psalm is full of God’s promises. Think of some loved ones who might need assurance of God’s promises, and what we might do or say to them in the coming week.
Two new compositions for Psalm 25
Lead Me By Your Truth and Teach Me in English, Chinese and Malay / Indonesian / Borneon
Who Are Those Who Fear the Lord?
Lead Me by Your Truth and Teach Me
Psalm 25: hymn
Lead Me by Your Truth and Teach Me – for download
Score
Lyrics in English, Chinese and Malay / Indonesian / Borneon
Lyrics in English
Playback
Parts (slower speed)
English lyrics
Malay lyrics – notes only
Chinese lyrics – notes only
Who Are Those Who Fear the Lord?
Psalm 25: hymn
Church studies
Psalm 74
- What is the tone of this psalm? Is it a feeling of being dejected, being betrayed, or a great sense of aimlessness?
- As a church, recall an occasion when God seemed very far away and we had to deal with a massive problem in the fellowship.
- Think also of the individuals in our church and beyond, whose property was snatched away when it is not their own fault. How best can we help them waiting for resolution?
- The psalm was written at the time of the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem, and began the long period of exile. A point of difference compared to today’s churches is that we are not looted or exiled. We might say the wider society of the church is “exile” from the church. With dwindling numbers attending church, we are losing some of our traditions with not enough people to sustain them. Is this an agreeable observation? What might be other points?
- When everything is lost, the psalmist calls on God to do or be something, is this restoration of traditions, temple/church, or human rights?
- This psalm might be drawing our church’s attention to who God is according to v17: he is not only a creator, but creative for us to enjoy the seasons. Reflect on this as a church and identify the different ways God is blessing us.
- Following from the previous question, what might be the important verse the church regard as God speaking to us now?
Your Salvation Is For All
Psalm 74: hymn
Your Salvation Is For All: for download
Score
Playback (as above)
Parts
You Are My King of Ages Past
Psalm 74: Choral