Use these for group work, or to assist your personal reflection.
- Does understanding the structure of the psalm help you to know it better?
- What is the main theme of the psalm? Discuss what you believe to be the main thrust of the psalm and its possible use.
- When people come to church at Christmas time, what do you think they are wanting from God or the church?
Use the programme which can be found on the link ‘discipleship challenges’. The ‘worksheet’ will help you follow through anything you feel is right to take up. The following notes are for your interest and consideration.
Personal comment:
This psalm is so simple, it is easy to read it and forget that it has a structure, which is designed to focus our eyes on some particular message. The universal appeal of the psalm reminds us of our duty to represent God in the whole world today, and not simply in our own church and world. God’s heart is for all creation, and if we are following Him, then we will be led to a place where we too will long for the day when He rules all the earth, and the injustices and misrule of the world will cease. There is so much misrule in our world today, and we read about it as if it was merely a fact of life that people have to endure. It is not. God has a better way and we can either follow Him or become victims of tyrants.
Ideas for discipleship programme
- Spend time with this psalm; write it out and keep it by you for a few days. Repeat the Psalm, and let it minister to you and bless you as you read it.
- Pray for all those who seek answers and blessing this Christmas, perhaps coming to church or to carol services not knowing what to expect. Pray that church people will be understanding of all who seek in this way, and treat them with respect.
Lift us out of the ordinary, Lord God, and show us the mysteries of heaven, even at a distance, or ‘as in a mirror’. Draw us near to You in the mysteries of faith at Christmas time, and give us the gift of new life through the birth of Jesus Christ. Thank You Lord God AMEN
