Praying the Psalms: A Guide to Spiritual Depth

 

Summary

In this session, we explore the profound depth and utility of the Psalms as a resource for prayer. The Psalms, a unique book in the Bible, are entirely composed of prayers, offering a rich tapestry of theological insights and emotional expressions. They encompass a wide range of human experiences, from deep lament to exuberant praise, and serve as a spiritual soundtrack for God's people. While originally given to Israel, the Psalms hold special significance for Christians, pointing forward to Jesus Christ and finding their true fulfillment in Him. Jesus Himself embodied the Psalms, quoting them even in His final moments on the cross.

The Psalms are invaluable for both corporate worship and personal devotion. They provide words when our hearts fail us and guide us in expressing our deepest emotions to God. However, understanding and praying the Psalms can be challenging, as noted by theologian J.I. Packer, who struggled with their poetic nature and intense emotional expressions. To aid in praying the Psalms, we must understand their genre, recognize their various audiences, and learn how to use them effectively in prayer.

The Psalms can be categorized into two main types: lament and praise. Lament Psalms express sorrow and complaints before God, while praise Psalms celebrate His goodness and faithfulness. The Psalms often use Hebrew parallelism, imagery, and metaphor to convey their messages, inviting deeper reflection and meditation. Understanding the tone and emotions of the Psalms is crucial, as they teach us to process life's challenges in a biblical way.

To pray the Psalms effectively, consider their original audience, the broader community of God's people, and how they point to Christ. The Psalms have been used by believers throughout history, and recognizing their versatility enriches our prayers. Additionally, we can use the Psalms to warm up our hearts, pray them verbatim, learn from their structures, and incorporate them into our prayers like ornaments on a Christmas tree.

Ultimately, the Psalms are a powerful tool for personal devotion and communal worship. They help us draw near to God, express our deepest emotions, and align our hearts with His will. As we engage with the Psalms, we are filled with the Holy Spirit and equipped to build up the body of Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Psalms as a Spiritual Resource: The Psalms are a unique book of prayers that encompass a wide range of human emotions and experiences. They serve as a spiritual resource for expressing our deepest feelings to God and finding words when our hearts fail us. By engaging with the Psalms, we can draw near to God and align our hearts with His will. [00:47]

2. Understanding the Genre of the Psalms: The Psalms are composed of lament and praise, using Hebrew parallelism, imagery, and metaphor to convey their messages. Understanding these elements helps us engage with the Psalms more deeply and removes barriers to praying them effectively. [05:01]

3. Recognizing the Audiences of the Psalms: The Psalms have been prayed by various audiences throughout history, including their original audience, the broader community of God's people, and Christ Himself. Recognizing these audiences enriches our prayers and widens our perspective. [09:10]

4. Practical Ways to Pray the Psalms: The Psalms can be used to warm up our hearts, pray them verbatim, learn from their structures, and incorporate them into our prayers like ornaments on a Christmas tree. These practical approaches help us engage with the Psalms in meaningful ways. [12:04]

5. The Psalms in Community Worship: The Psalms are not only valuable for personal devotion but also for communal worship. By addressing one another in Psalms, we can build up the body of Christ and be filled with the Holy Spirit, as encouraged in Ephesians 5. [21:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Praying the Bible
- [00:32] - The Psalms: A Treasure Trove of Prayers
- [01:00] - The Psalms and Jesus Christ
- [01:30] - The Apostles and the Psalms
- [02:00] - The Value of the Psalms in Worship
- [02:30] - Personal Experiences with the Psalms
- [03:09] - J.I. Packer's Struggle with the Psalms
- [04:09] - Praying with Our Whole Hearts
- [04:35] - Understanding the Genre of Poetry
- [05:01] - Types of Psalms: Lament and Praise
- [06:09] - Hebrew Parallelism in the Psalms
- [07:28] - Imagery and Metaphor in the Psalms
- [08:15] - The Tone and Emotions of the Psalms
- [08:56] - Recognizing the Audiences of the Psalms
- [10:34] - The Psalms and Christ
- [11:51] - Practical Ways to Pray the Psalms
- [20:41] - Challenge for Leaders: Addressing One Another in Psalms

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Praying the Psalms

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 88 - A Psalm of lament expressing deep sorrow.
2. Psalm 150 - A Psalm of exuberant praise.
3. Colossians 3:16 - Encouragement to let the word of Christ dwell richly through singing Psalms.

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two main types of Psalms mentioned in the sermon, and how do they differ in their expression? [05:01]
2. How did Jesus use the Psalms during His life, particularly in His final moments? [01:15]
3. What are some of the poetic elements used in the Psalms that can aid in our understanding and prayer? [06:09]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Psalms in both personal devotion and communal worship? [02:00]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How might understanding the original audience of a Psalm enhance our prayer life today? [09:10]
2. In what ways do the Psalms point to Jesus Christ, and how can this understanding deepen our engagement with them? [10:34]
3. What challenges might someone face when trying to pray the Psalms, and how can these be overcome according to the sermon? [03:09]
4. How does the sermon suggest we can use the Psalms to "warm up" our hearts for prayer? [12:04]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to find words in prayer. How might the Psalms provide a resource for you in similar situations? [00:47]
2. Consider the emotional intensity of the Psalms. How comfortable are you with expressing such raw emotions in your prayers, and what steps can you take to grow in this area? [03:53]
3. Identify a Psalm that resonates with your current life situation. How can you incorporate it into your daily prayer routine this week? [16:13]
4. The sermon mentions using the Psalms like ornaments on a Christmas tree. What is one specific prayer or petition you can "hang" on a Psalm this week? [18:32]
5. How can you encourage others in your community to engage with the Psalms, perhaps by recommending a specific Psalm to someone in need? [21:41]
6. Reflect on the idea of addressing one another in Psalms as a way to be filled with the Holy Spirit. How can your small group practice this in your gatherings? [21:12]
7. Think about a challenge you are currently facing. How can the structure of a Psalm, such as lament followed by trust, guide you in processing this challenge biblically? [15:12]

Devotional

Day 1: The Psalms as a Spiritual Resource
The Psalms are a unique collection of prayers that capture the full spectrum of human emotions and experiences. They serve as a spiritual resource, providing words when we struggle to express our deepest feelings to God. Engaging with the Psalms allows us to draw near to God and align our hearts with His will. They remind us that we are not alone in our struggles and joys, as they have been a source of comfort and guidance for believers throughout history. By immersing ourselves in the Psalms, we can find solace and strength in God's presence. [00:47]

Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV): "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?"

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt distant from God. How can you use the Psalms to express your longing for His presence today?


Day 2: Understanding the Genre of the Psalms
The Psalms are composed of lament and praise, utilizing Hebrew parallelism, imagery, and metaphor to convey their messages. Understanding these elements helps us engage with the Psalms more deeply and removes barriers to praying them effectively. Lament Psalms allow us to bring our sorrows and complaints before God, while praise Psalms celebrate His goodness and faithfulness. By recognizing the poetic nature of the Psalms, we can appreciate their depth and richness, allowing them to speak to our hearts in profound ways. [05:01]

Psalm 13:1-2 (ESV): "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day?"

Reflection: Consider a current struggle or sorrow in your life. How can you use the language of lament in the Psalms to bring this before God in prayer?


Day 3: Recognizing the Audiences of the Psalms
The Psalms have been prayed by various audiences throughout history, including their original audience, the broader community of God's people, and Christ Himself. Recognizing these audiences enriches our prayers and widens our perspective. The Psalms connect us to the faith journey of those who have gone before us and remind us of our place within the larger story of God's people. By acknowledging the diverse audiences of the Psalms, we can find solidarity and encouragement in our own spiritual journey. [09:10]

Psalm 22:1-2 (ESV): "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest."

Reflection: Reflect on how the Psalms have been a source of comfort for believers throughout history. How can you draw strength from this shared experience in your own prayer life?


Day 4: Practical Ways to Pray the Psalms
The Psalms can be used to warm up our hearts, pray them verbatim, learn from their structures, and incorporate them into our prayers like ornaments on a Christmas tree. These practical approaches help us engage with the Psalms in meaningful ways. By praying the Psalms, we can find words to express our emotions, learn to structure our prayers, and enrich our spiritual lives. The Psalms offer a versatile and powerful tool for deepening our relationship with God and enhancing our prayer life. [12:04]

Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Reflection: Choose a Psalm to pray verbatim today. How does this practice shape your understanding of prayer and your relationship with God?


Day 5: The Psalms in Community Worship
The Psalms are not only valuable for personal devotion but also for communal worship. By addressing one another in Psalms, we can build up the body of Christ and be filled with the Holy Spirit, as encouraged in Ephesians 5. The Psalms provide a shared language for worship, allowing us to express our collective faith and experiences. In community worship, the Psalms unite us in praise and lament, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual growth within the body of Christ. [21:12]

Psalm 95:1-2 (ESV): "Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!"

Reflection: How can you incorporate the Psalms into your communal worship experience this week? Consider leading a Psalm reading or discussion in your small group or church service.

Quotes

The book of Psalms is the only book in Scripture that is 100% composed of prayers. It is a treasure trove of theology-laden, emotion-driven songs of praise and lament written by David, Solomon, Moses, Asaf, and others. The Psalms offer prayers for just about every situation and emotion imaginable, from the deep pain of lament found in Psalm 88 to the exuberant worship of Psalm 150 and everything in between. [00:22:40]

While they were originally given to Israel, the Psalms have special importance for the Christian. Like the rest of the Old Testament, they point us forward to Jesus Christ and find their true fulfillment only in him. Jesus says as much in Luke 24. He says everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled. [00:55:55]

The Psalms are incredibly versatile prayers that have been prayed by a variety of people in a variety of situations over the millennia. Recognizing the various audiences a Psalm speaks for will enrich our prayers. So here are three audiences to keep in mind: first is the original audience, some of the Psalms give detail into the situation when it was first prayed. [08:56:08]

The psalmist often uses one of three types of Hebrew parallels. This is where there is a relationship between two lines of poetry. There's the synonymous parallel; these lines simply share the same idea in different words. Psalm 6:1 is an example: "Oh Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath." The psalmist restates the same basic idea. [06:05:44]

The Psalms also express themselves using imagery and metaphor. Instead of saying God cares for his children, Psalm 23 says, "The Lord is my shepherd." Instead of saying I was weak, David says, "My strength was dried up as by the heat of summer" in Psalm 32. We need to ask ourselves what this image is describing and how it relates to the situation of the psalmist. [07:19:19]

Praying with our whole hearts is really what the Psalms are all about. We'll now look at three suggestions for praying the Psalms. Let me start with this: don't feel like you need to master everything I say. Simply opening your Bible to the Book of Psalms and praying is an incredible way to draw near to God. [04:24:35]

The first way is to use the Psalms to warm up your heart. When reading the Psalms, we see others having a productive conversation with God, and we can get in on the conversation. Reading the Psalms might warm up your heart for prayer like an athlete jogs around to warm up for a game. [11:57:11]

The second way to pray the Psalms is to pray the Psalms verbatim. We see many examples of this in scripture. Praying the Psalms word for word gives you words when you lack them. My wife and I often want to end our days seeking the Lord but lack mental and physical energy from work and a busy family life. [13:16:44]

The third way to use the Psalms is to learn from the various structures of the Psalms. Many Psalms showcase a journey of faith and trust. Take Psalm 13, for example. David begins the psalm launching a complaint in verses 1 and 2 with four questions, stating, "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?" [13:48:28]

The fourth way to use the Psalms is to treat the Psalms like an apple tree. That is, reach out to the Psalms and grab a verse or two like you would grab an apple from a tree. A family member recently bemoaned a situation where someone wrongly accused her and prospered because of it. She said, "I just wish I knew how to think and pray in this situation." [15:57:19]

Fifth and last, you may also treat the Psalms like a Christmas tree. Instead of picking a prayer from the tree, you may take a prayer and hang it on the psalm like you would hang an ornament on a Christmas tree. This may come in the form of expanding a portion of the psalm and adding your petitions that connect with your life and experience. [18:27:36]

We see in these verses that one way to be filled with the Holy Spirit is to address one another in Psalms. This isn't a magic formula for life in the Spirit, but it does show how God wants his gathered body of believers to sing his praises together, to address one another with the powerful word of God, specifically the Book of Psalms. [21:01:59]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?