Psalms-Quiet-Times.Pdf
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Psalms 90-106 Over the next 20 days, let us rest in the book of Psalms. The collection of Book 4 (Psalms 90-106) follows a myriad of exilic and post-exilic laments. In response to the devastation of Jerusalem, Psalm 90 begins recalling that God has been their “dwelling place through all generations.” At the centre of these Psalms is a celebration of God’s reign as King, ending with two Psalms retelling Israel’s history. These quiet times use a fairly standard method of Bible reading with a series of questions to have in mind as you read and reflect. The aim of these questions is to keep your mind and heart engaged throughout, rather than just going through the motions. The standard questions we will ask are: What stands out? What questions do you have? How does the reading point to Jesus? What could you pray? Who could you encourage? You may come to the end of a reading and think, ‘wow, I cannot figure out how that points to Jesus and I have no idea how the passage would help me encourage anyone’. That’s fine! The standard questions we will use may not fit every passage. However, they are important to ask none the less, as they keep us open to the Spirit’s leading as we read. I also like to recommend the Australian Christian band “Sons of Korah” as a wonderful companion to this series. They have composed beautiful versions of Psalm 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 99, 100, 103. You can listen to their music on Spotify, Itunes & Youtube. Day 1 Psalms 90-92 fit together to form an introduction to book 4 of the Psalms. This Psalm describes some of the grandest pictures of God, and the most revealing descriptions of the mortality of humans. In light of this reality, the Psalmist implores us to examine our own lives. Read Psalm 90 What stands out? What questions do you have? How does the reading point to Jesus? Notice This Psalm is written by Moses, making it the OLDEST Psalm in the Bible In verse 12, Moses exhorts us, “teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Do you reflect enough on your mortality in light of God’s everlasting character? What could you pray? Who could you encourage? Day 2 Following Psalm 90, this song has strong themes of trust and dependence upon God. It again picks up the language of “dwelling,” “shelter,” and “refuge.” It ends with words of comfort from God to the afflicted in their time of need. Read Psalm 91 What stands out? What questions do you have? How does the reading point to Jesus? Notice Did you notice the devil misquotes these verses in the temptation of Jesus (Matt 4:1-11)? Does this Psalm promise we’ll never be kept from harm? Why or why not? What could you pray? Who could you encourage? Day 3 Psalm 92 is titled, “For the Sabbath Day.” No doubt, it was to be sung by Israel on Sabbath day. But it’s themes look forward to the perfect Sabbath rest, when there will be final rest at the end of the age. Read Psalm 92 What stands out? What questions do you have? How does the reading point to Jesus? Notice The progression in Psalms 90-92 (Lament -> Trust -> praise) Verse 8 forms the theological centre of the Psalm: “But you, O Lord, are exalted forever.” Do you take days to rest? Are they orientated to worship of the creator or worship of yourself? What could you pray? Who could you encourage? Day 4 Psalm 93, begins a group of Psalms praising God as King, continuing to Psalm 99. The common refrain, which holds this collection together, is “The Lord reigns.” It is an invitation to marvel and exalt him for his power and might. Read Psalm 93 What stands out? What questions do you have? How does the reading point to Jesus? Notice What is the significance of “sea” in the Bible? How might this Psalm connect with Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41)? What could you pray? Who could you encourage? Day 5 Laments constitute the largest group of Psalms in the Psalter. Psalm in 94 is a corporate lament, calling for God’s justice and evil upon the wicked. It gives words to the afflicted to call out to God, and know he hears and will act. Read Psalm 94 What stands out? What questions do you have? How does the reading point to Jesus? Notice What is the difference between avenging and revenge? How does Paul in Romans 12:17-21, encourage these Christians who suffer to live trusting in a God of vengeance? What could you pray? Who could you encourage? Day 6 From the earliest times in the Christian church, Psalm 95 has been used as a call to worship. It invites the reader to praise God for all he has done, and not ignore Him, lest they be judged. Read Psalm 95 What stands out? What questions do you have? How does the reading point to Jesus? Notice The Psalm is quoted twice in Hebrews 3:7-4:13. It warns the recipients of the letter not to stumble in their faith and despise the promises of God, like their ancestors did, and therefore fail to enter into rest. What could you pray? Who could you encourage? Day 7 Psalm 96 is taken from the song that was written when David brought and set the ark in its place in Jerusalem (see 1 Chronicles 16). It is often called a messianic Psalm and read at Christmas. Read Psalm 96 What stands out? What questions do you have? How does the reading point to Jesus? Notice The build up and repetition of words concerning God’s coming e.g. “sing,” “ascribe,” “come” How can we see in this Psalm that Jesus is the coming King? What could you pray? Who could you encourage? Day 8 Psalm 97 follows the theme of the coming of the King. But instead of sheer delight, we are confronted with doom and judgement for the idol worshiper and the wicked. Read Psalm 97 What stands out? What questions do you have? How does the reading point to Jesus? Notice Right at the centre of the Psalm is condemnation on those who “worship images,” and “who boast in idols.” What idols and or false gods would Jesus uncover in your life if he were to come right now? What could you pray? Who could you encourage? Day 9 This Psalm is known as the Cantate Domino (‘O sing to the Lord’), to be sung in the Book of Common Prayer during evening prayers. It again offers wholehearted praise for the coming of God’s King, very similar to Psalm 96. Read Psalm 98 What stands out? What questions do you have? How does the reading point to Jesus? What could you pray? Who could you encourage? Day 10 After the sheer delight of Psalm 98, we now reflect on how exalted and holy God is as King. We approach Him in praise, but also in profound reverence. Read Psalm 99 What stands out? What questions do you have? How does the reading point to Jesus? Notice How many times is the word holy mentioned in this Psalm? How often are you gripped by God’s awesomeness? What could you pray? Who could you encourage? Day 11 Psalm 100-106 forms somewhat of a mini-Psalter. These Psalms reflect various responses to God’s kingly reign: celebration (100); promise to faithful living (101); a prayer for future rebuilding of Zion (102); praise for God’s love (103); and God as creator (104). The section concludes with two retelling of Israel’s history (104 & 105). Read Psalm 100 What stands out? What questions do you have? How does the reading point to Jesus? Notice How many different ways does the Psalmist thank God? In response to this Psalm, write down three different things you can be thankful to God for. What could you pray? Who could you encourage? Day 12 Martin Luther called Psalm 101 “David’s mirror of a monarch.” The Psalm was composed for the use at the inauguration of a king or celebration of his kingship. It declares the type of commitment a king needed for godly rule. Read Psalm 101 What stands out? What questions do you have? How does the reading point to Jesus? Notice Re-read verse 5. When in David’s life did he get this wrong? Do you think this is written before or after the event? What salient words does this Psalm contain if you are a leader? What could you pray? Who could you encourage? Day 13 This is the fifth of seven Penitential Psalms in the Psalter. This Psalm split into two main parts: cries of distress (1-11) & God’s mercy (12-23). It closes with what is commonly been noticed as messianic themes. Read Psalm 102 What stands out? What questions do you have? What Davidic themes do you find throughout? Notice Hebrews 1:10-12, quotes verse 25-27 word for word. What connection is the writer of the Hebrews making between Jesus and the Psalm? What could you pray? Who could you encourage? Day 14 Psalm 103 is an exuberant Psalm of praise, centred on the theme of God’s grace. Repeatedly, David recalls the mercies of God, offering forgiveness, compassion, and abounding in love.