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Page 1: 14 6 4 summerpsalms booklet web

1320 Main Street,Houston, Texas 77002

832-668-1800fmhouston.com

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Welcome to Summer in the Psalms!

Psalms is one of the most beloved books in the Bible.

In its pages we see ourselves – our hopes, fears,

struggles, and joys. And, we see God – our creator,

defender, sustainer, and salvation.

In the booklet you will find a Psalm for each day

from June 1 – August 31. Read the entire Psalm from

your Bible and the key verse printed in this booklet.

Spend a few minutes meditating on God’s Word;

clear your mind of distractions and let God speak

to you through the Psalms. Take some time to think

about the questions for reflection and journal

your responses. Finally, conclude your time with

God in prayer.

May this study bless you, encourage you, and draw

you closer to God as He draws closer to you.

*Scriptures from NRSV

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Sunday, June 1Psalm 23 – The Divine Shepherd

Key Verse:

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.” (Psalm 23:6)

Questions for Reflection:

• Why do you think this Psalm is the favorite of so many people?

• What does it mean to “dwell in the house of the Lord”?

Monday, June 2Psalm 123 – Supplication for Mercy

Key Verse:

“To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!” (Psalm 123:1)

Questions for Reflection:

• How do you keep your focus on God during difficult times?

• What changes when you lift up your eyes to God instead of focusing on earthly matters?

Tuesday, June 3Psalm 90 – God’s Eternity and Human Frailty

Key Verse:

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” (Psalm 90:2)

Questions for Reflection:

• How do you wrap your human mind around the everlasting nature of God?

• What effect does acknowledging your human frailty have on your relationship with God?

Wednesday, June 4Psalm 46 – God’s Defense of His City and People

Key Verse:

“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)

Questions for Reflection:

• What does this Psalm tell you about God’s power and protection?

• What makes being still before God so difficult?

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Thursday, June 5Psalm 77 – God’s Mighty Deeds Recalled

Key Verse:

“I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord; I will remember your wonders of old.” (Psalm 77:11)

Questions for Reflection:

• When have you questioned God’s love and faithfulness as the Psalmist does?

• Why is it important to remember God’s deeds and wonders of old?

Friday, June 6Psalm 32 – The Joy of Forgiveness

Key Verse:

“Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” (Psalm 32:5)

Questions for Reflection:

• Which is more difficult for you to do – confess your sins or accept God’s forgiveness? Why?

• How does accepting God’s forgiveness free you?

Saturday, June 7Psalm 55 – Complaint about a Friend’s Treachery

Key Verse:

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22)

Questions for Reflection:

• What burden do you need to share with God today?

• How do you expect Him to respond?

Sunday, June 8Psalm 122 – Song of Praise and Prayer for Jerusalem

Key Verse:

“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’” (Psalm 122:1)

Questions for Reflection:

• Why is it important to attend worship services on a regular basis?

• How does gathering with other believers impact your faith?

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Monday, June 9Psalm 13 – Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies

Key Verse:

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1)

Questions for Reflection:

• When have you felt God was hiding His face from you?

• Why do you think God sometimes waits a long time to answer your prayers?

Tuesday, June 10Psalm 42 – Longing for God and His Help in Distress

Key Verses:

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?” (Psalm 42:1-2)

Questions for Reflection:

• When do you find yourself thirsting for God?

• How do you satisfy that thirst?

Wednesday, June 11Psalm 118 – A Song of Victory

Key Verse:

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Questions for Reflection:

• In what do you rejoice today?

• How do you cultivate a grateful heart?

Thursday, June 12Psalm 129 – Prayer for the Downfall of Israel’s Enemies

Key Verse:

“The Lord is righteous; he has cut the cords of the wicked.” (Psalm 129:4)

Questions for Reflection:

• Do you pray for the downfall of your enemies as the Psalmist did, or love and pray for them as Jesus commanded in Matthew 5:44?

• Which is more difficult? Why?

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Friday, June 13Psalm 103 – Thanksgiving for God’s Goodness

Key Verse:

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 103:8)

Questions for Reflection:

• When has God shown patience with you?

• What reasons does the Psalmist give for blessing the Lord?

Saturday, June 14 (Flag Day)Psalm 67 – The Nations Called to Praise God

Key Verses:

“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations.” (Psalm 67:1-2)

Questions for Reflection:

• How can you carry the Christian flag into the world so all people may know God’s saving power?

• In what ways are you blessed when you share the Good News of the gospel?

Sunday, June 15 (Father’s Day)Psalm 127 – God’s Blessings in the Home

Key Verse:

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)

Questions for Reflection:

• How has the Lord built your house? How does he continue to build it?

• How does recognizing that children are “a heritage from the Lord” impact the way you raise your children or interact with children you encounter?

Monday, June 16Psalm 133 – The Blessedness of Unity

Key Verse:

“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

Questions for Reflection:

• What Christian practices and disciplines help your family live in harmony?

• When people look at your family, what do they see that would lead them to seek a relationship with God?

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Tuesday, June 17Psalm 51 – Prayer for Cleansing and Pardon

Key Verse:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

Questions for Reflection:

• What sin have you avoided talking about with God?

• How would confessing that sin allow God to create a new heart in you?

Wednesday, June 18Psalm 34 – Praise for Deliverance from Trouble

Key Verse:

“O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8)

Questions for Reflection:

• How do you experience God’s goodness through tasting, seeing, hearing, smelling, and touching?

• What assurances does this Psalm give you in times of trouble?

Thursday, June 19Psalm 91 – Assurance of God’s Protection

Key Verses:

“You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2)

Questions for Reflection:

• How do you rest in “the shadow of the Almighty”?

• How can you make God your refuge and fortress when you are afraid?

Friday, June 20Psalm 27 – Triumphant Song of Confidence

Key Verse:

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)

Questions for Reflection:

• Which verses of this Psalm encourage you to be confident in the Lord?

• What do you do while you wait for the Lord?

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Saturday, June 21 (First Day of Summer)Psalm 104 – God the Creator and Provider

Key Verse:

“O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” (Psalm 104:24)

Questions for Reflection:

• How does God speak to you through nature during the hot, humid months of summer in Houston?

• What one word would you use to describe God’s work in creation? Why?

Sunday, June 22Psalm 150 – Praise for God’s Surpassing Greatness

Key Verse:

“Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6)

Questions for Reflection:

• Why does the Psalmist call us to praise the Lord?

• What new way of praising the Lord would you like to try? Do it!

Monday, June 23Psalm 61 – Assurance of God’s Protection

Key Verses:

“From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I; for you are my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.” (Psalm 61:2-3)

Questions for Reflection:

• When have you felt you were at the end of the earth?

• How did God lead you back?

Tuesday, June 24Psalm 124 – Thanksgiving for Israel’s Deliverance

Key Verse:

“Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 124:8)

Questions for Reflection:

• How do you describe the power found in the name of the Lord?

• When has God delivered you from the hands of an enemy?

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Wednesday, June 25Psalm 143 – Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies

Key Verse:

“Save me, O Lord, from my enemies; I have fled to you for refuge.” (Psalm 143:9)

Questions for Reflection:

• How do you define “enemy”?

• Who or what are your enemies?

Thursday, June 26Psalm 111 – Praise for God’s Wonderful Works

Key Verse:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.” (Psalm 111:10)

Questions for Reflection:

• What is wisdom?

• How does the fear of the Lord result in wisdom?

Friday, June 27Psalm 138 – Thanksgiving and Praise

Key Verse:

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” (Psalm 138:8)

Questions for Reflection:

• What is God’s purpose for you and how do you discern it?

• How is God working in and through you to fulfill that purpose?

Saturday, June 28Psalm 88 – Prayer for Help in Despondency

Key Verses:

“O Lord, God of my salvation, when, at night, I cry out in your presence, let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry.” (Psalm 88:1-2)

Questions for Reflection:

• Have you ever blamed God for your troubles as the Psalmist does? When?

• What does talking to God about your feelings say about your relationship with Him?

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Sunday, June 29Psalm 24 – Entrance into the Temple

Key Verse:

“Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.” (Psalm 24:9)

Questions for Reflection:

• How does this Psalm call you to worship?

• How do you prepare to worship the King of glory?

Monday, June 30Psalm 49 – The Folly of Trust in Riches

Key Verse:

“Truly, no ransom avails for one’s life, there is no price one can give to God for it.” (Psalm 49:7)

Questions for Reflection:

• Who paid the ransom for your life? Why?

• How do you store up “treasures in heaven”?

Tuesday, July 1Psalm 120 – Prayer for Deliverance from Slanderers

Key Verses:

“In my distress I cry to the Lord, that he may answer me: ‘Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.’” (Psalm 120:1-2)

Questions for Reflection:

• What are some ways that lies hurt and destroy relationships?

• How do you speak words of peace in a world at war?

Wednesday, July 2Psalm 65 – Thanksgiving for Earth’s Bounty

Key Verse:

“By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance, O God of our salvation; you are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.” (Psalm 65:5)

Questions for Reflection:

• How does God’s care for the earth affect the way you care for it?

• How do you see God as the “hope of all the ends of the earth”?

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Thursday, July 3Psalm 106 – A Confession of Israel’s Sins

Key Verse:

“Both we and our ancestors have sinned; we have committed iniquity, have done wickedly.” (Psalm 106:6)

Questions for Reflection:

• As the Psalmist confesses the sins of Israel, what sins of the United States come to mind?

• How has God responded to our nation’s sins of commission and omission?

Friday, July 4 (Independence Day)Psalm 105 – God’s Faithfulness to Israel

Key Verse:

“So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing.” (Psalm 105:43)

Questions for Reflection:

• How does God’s faithfulness to Israel compare to His faithfulness to the United States?

• How does this Psalm challenge us as Christians in modern day America?

Saturday, July 5Psalm 119 – The Glories of God’s Law

Key Verse:

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

Questions for Reflection:

• What part of this Psalm most resonates with you?

• What can you do to ensure that God’s Word lights your path?

Sunday, July 6Psalm 139 – The Inescapable God

Key Verse:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23)

Questions for Reflection:

• Is the thought that God knows you so intimately disturbing or comforting to you? Why?

• What does the Psalmist’s invitation to God to search him tell you about the Psalmist and his relationship with God?

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Monday, July 7Psalm 62 – Song of Trust in God Alone

Key Verses:

“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2)

Questions for Reflection:

• Where are you tempted to put your trust instead of trusting in God alone?

• How has God shown you He is trustworthy?

Tuesday, July 8Psalm 110 – Assurance of Victory for God’s Priest-King

Key Verse:

“The Lord says to my lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.’” (Psalm 110:1)

Questions for Reflection:

• When has God told you to sit and wait while He deals with your enemies?

• Why is vengeance best left to the Lord?

Wednesday, July 9Psalm 78 – God’s Goodness and Israel’s Ingratitude

Key Verses:

“They did not keep God’s covenant, but refused to walk according to his law. They forgot what he had done, and the miracles that he had shown them.” (Psalm 78:10-11)

Questions for Reflection:

• Like the Israelites, when have you failed to be grateful for the miracles God has done in your life?

• What happens when you focus on your wants instead of recognizing how God provides for your needs?

Thursday, July 10Psalm 132 – The Eternal Dwelling of God in Zion

Key Verse:

“Its priests I will clothe with salvation, and its faithful will shout for joy.” (Psalm 132:16)

Questions for Reflection:

• The Psalmist recalls God choosing David and his descendents to sit on throne. What has God chosen you to do?

• Based on Colossians 3:12-15, how are we to clothe ourselves in the character of Christ?

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Friday, July 11Psalm 5 – Trust in God for Deliverance from Enemies

Key Verse:

“O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.” (Psalm 5:3)

Questions for Reflection:

• What are the benefits of beginning your day in prayer as the Psalmist does?

• How do you stay connected to God throughout the day?

Saturday, July 12Psalm 97 – The Glory of God’s Reign

Key Verse:

“The heavens proclaim his righteousness; and all the peoples behold his glory.” (Psalm 97:6)

Questions for Reflection:

• When and where have you beheld God’s glory?

• How do you glorify God?

Sunday, July 13Psalm 84 – The Joy of Worship in the Temple

Key Verses:

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.” (Psalm 84:1-2)

Questions for Reflection:

• Where do you find joy in worship?

• How can you carry that joy with you throughout the week?

Monday, July 14Psalm 141 – Prayer for Preservation from Evil

Key Verse:

“Let the righteous strike me; let the faithful correct me. Never let the oil of the wicked anoint my head, for my prayer is continually against their wicked deeds.” (Psalm 141:5)

Questions for Reflection:

• How does God speak to you through Christian friends?

• How do you respond when a trusted friend confronts or corrects you?

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Tuesday, July 15Psalm 130 – Waiting for Divine Redemption

Key Verses:

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning.” (Psalm 130:5-6)

Questions for Reflection:

• What does it mean to “wait for the Lord”?

• Where in God’s word do you find hope?

Wednesday, July 16Psalm 25 – Prayer for Guidance and Deliverance

Key Verse:

“Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!” (Psalm 25:7)

Questions for Reflection:

• What do you want the Lord to remember about you?

• What would you prefer He forgot?

Thursday, July 17Psalm 115 – The Impotence of Idols and the Greatness of God

Key Verses:

“Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.” (Psalm 115:4-5)

Questions for Reflection:

• How do the idols of this world compare to our God?

• What have you recently trusted God to provide?

Friday, July 18Psalm 1 – The Two Ways

Key Verses:

“Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of the scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2)

Questions for Reflection:

• How do the images of the happy and the wicked encourage you to delight in the law of the Lord?

• How does meditating on God’s word equip you to face life’s challenges?

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Saturday, July 19Psalm 85 – Prayer for the Restoration of God’s Favor

Key Verse:

“Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.” (Psalm 85:10)

Questions for Reflection:

• Why do you think the Bible often links righteousness and peace?

• In what ways do you often settle for less than God’s peace?

Sunday, July 20Psalm 121 – Assurance of God’s Protection

Key Verse:

“The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:8)

Questions for Reflection:

• Is God the first place you turn in times of trouble or the last? Why?

• When has God blessed you with protection?

Monday, July 21Psalm 98 – Praise the Judge of the World

Key Verses:

“Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.” (Psalm 98:8-9)

Questions for Reflection:

• What thoughts come to mind when you think of God as a judge?

• What feelings do those thoughts invoke?

Tuesday, July 22Psalm 53 – Denunciation of Godlessness

Key Verse:

“Fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they commit abominable acts; there is no one who does good.” (Psalm 53:1)

Questions for Reflection:

• Are there times when your heart says, “There is no God”? When?

• How do you reconnect with God in those times?

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Wednesday, July 23Psalm 11 – Song of Trust in God

Key Verse:

“The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold, his gaze examines humankind.” (Psalm 11:4)

Questions for Reflection:

• What does God see when He examines you?

• How does knowing God sees everything you do impact your behavior?

Thursday, July 24Psalm 2 – God’s Promise to His Anointed

Key Verses:

“Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, with trembling kiss his feet, or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly kindled. Happy are all who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 2:10-12)

Questions for Reflection:

• As a Christian, what responsibility do you have to pray for our nation? The world?

• How can your prayers make a difference in the lives of the kings and rulers around the world and the people over whom they rule?

Friday, July 25Psalm 93 – The Majesty of God’s Rule

Key Verses:

“The Lord is king, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed, he is girded with strength. He has established the world; it shall never be moved; your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.” (Psalm 93:1-2)

Questions for Reflection:

• What image does the word “majesty” bring to mind?

• How does acknowledging the Lord is king impact your view of the world?

Saturday, July 26Psalm 74 – Plea for Help in Time of National Humiliation

Key Verses:

“Yours is the day, yours also the night; you established the luminaries and the sun. You have fixed all the bounds of the earth; you made summer and winter.” (Psalm 74:16-17)

Questions for Reflection:

• How does this Psalm reassure you that God remains in control even in times of trouble?

• Why is it difficult to surrender control to God?

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Sunday, July 27Psalm 96 – Praise to God Who Comes in Judgment

Key Verse:

“O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” (Psalm 96:1)

Questions for Reflection:

• What is your favorite hymn? What makes it special to you?

• What role does music play in your relationship with God?

Monday, July 28Psalm 146 – Praise for God’s Help

Key Verses:

“Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help. When their breath departs, they return to the earth; on that very day their plans perish. (Psalm 146:3-4)

Questions for Reflection:

• What is the difference between trusting in God and trusting in mortals?

• What does the way God responds to the oppressed, hungry, prisoners, and others in this Psalm show you about His character?

Tuesday, July 29Psalm 22 – Plea for Deliverance from Suffering and Hostility

Key Verse:

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?” (Psalm 22:1)

Questions for Reflection:

• When have you felt forsaken by God?

• How does knowing Jesus cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” from the cross free you to ask God the tough questions?

Wednesday, July 30Psalm 125 – The Security of God’s People

Key Verse:

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time on and forevermore.” (Psalm 125:2)

Questions for Reflection:

• How does the image of the mountains surrounding Jerusalem help you to better understand the security believers have in the Lord?

• What hinders you from fully trusting in God to be your security?

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Thursday, July 31Psalm 69 – Prayer for Deliverance from Persecution

Key Verses:

“But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me. With your faithful help rescue me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters.” (Psalm 69:13-14)

Questions for Reflection:

• When has God’s timing differed from yours?

• How did God reveal His love and faithfulness while you waited for Him to answer your prayer?

Friday, August 1Psalm 148 – Praise for God’s Universal Glory

Key Verses:

“Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!” (Psalms 148:3-4)

Questions for Reflection:

• How does creation praise God?

• How does nature reflect God’s glory?

Saturday, August 2Psalm 44 – National Lament and Prayer for Help

Key Verse:

“Rouse yourself! Why do you sleep, O Lord? Awake, do not cast us off forever!” (Psalm 44:23)

Questions for Reflection:

• Why do you think God is silent at times?

• How do you respond when God is silent?

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Tuesday, August 5Psalm 108 – Praise and Prayer for Victory

Key Verse:

“For your steadfast love is higher than the heavens, and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.” (Psalm 108:4)

Questions for Reflection:

• How do you comprehend the expansiveness of God’s love and faithfulness?

• How does knowing God is always faithful encourage you to be faithful to Him?

Wednesday, August 6Psalm 56 – Trust in God Under Persecution

Key Verse:

“In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:4)

Questions for Reflection:

• What fears keep you awake at night?

• What connection do you see between this Psalm and Roman 8:31?

Sunday, August 3Psalm 126 – A Harvest of Joy

Key Verse:

“May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.” (Psalm 126:5)

Questions for Reflection:

• How has God turned your tears into shouts of joy?

• What did you learn about God through that experience?

Monday, August 4Psalm 16 – Song of Trust and Security in God

Key Verse:

“You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

Questions for Reflection:

• What roles does God play in the life of the Psalmist?

• What roles does God play in your life?

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Saturday, August 9Psalm 47 – God’s Rule over the Nations

Key Verse:

“Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with loud songs of joy.” (Psalm 47:1)

Questions for Reflection:

• What honors are customarily given to earthly kings?

• How do you honor God, the King of kings?

Sunday, August 10Psalm 73 – Plea for Relief from Oppressors

Key Verses:

“But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I perceived their end.” (Psalm 73:16-17)

Questions for Reflection:

• What changed for the Psalmist when he went “into the sanctuary of God”?

• How are you changed when you enter His sanctuary?

Thursday, August 7Psalm 81 – God’s Appeal to Stubborn Israel

Key Verses:

“’But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.’” (Psalm 80:11-12)

Questions for Reflection:

• What causes you to follow your own stubborn heart instead of God’s voice?

• What happens when you do?

Friday, August 8Psalm 134 – Praise in the Night

Key Verse:

“Lift up your hands to the holy place, and bless the Lord.” (Psalm 134:2)

Questions for Reflection:

• We often think of God blessing us, but how can you bless the Lord?

• How does God bless you when you bless Him?

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Wednesday, August 13Psalm 137 – Lament over the Destruction of Jerusalem

Key Verse:

“How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” (Psalm 137:4)

Questions for Reflection:

• What life experiences have made you feel as though you were in exile?

• How did you find your song again?

Thursday, August 14Psalm 128 – The Happy Home of the Faithful

Key Verse:

“Happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways.” (Psalm 128:1)

Questions for Reflection:

• What does it mean to “fear the Lord”?

• How have you experienced the rewards of walking in God’s ways?

Monday, August 11Psalm 99 – Praise to God for His Holiness

Key Verse:

“He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud; they kept his decrees, and the statutes that he gave them.” (Psalm 99:7)

Questions for Reflection:

• How does God speak to you?

• How do you quiet yourself to listen for his voice?

Tuesday, August 12Psalm 18 – Royal Thanksgiving for Victory

Key Verses:

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so I shall be saved from my enemies.” (Psalm 18:2-3)

Questions for Reflection:

• How does God equip you for the battles you face?

• How do you recognize God’s hand in your victories?

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Sunday, August 17Psalm 95 – A Call to Worship and Obedience

Key Verse:

“O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!” (Psalm 95:6)

Questions for Reflection:

• How does your perspective change when you kneel (literally) before the Lord?

• Where are the sacred places where you have felt God’s presence?

Monday, August 18Psalm 80 – Prayer for Israel’s Restoration

Key Verse:

“Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.” (Psalm 80:3)

Questions for Reflection:

• Does God’s face shine on the United States today?

• What aspects of our nation need the restoration only God can provide?

Friday, August 15Psalm 86 – Supplication for Help against Enemies

Key Verse:

“For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.” (Psalm 86:10)

Questions for Reflection:

• What earthly gods do you find yourself worshipping?

• In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge your dependence on God?

Saturday, August 16Psalm 63 – Comfort and Assurance in God’s Presence

Key Verses:

“My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips when I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.” (Psalm 63:5-7)

Questions for Reflection:

• How does God satisfy your soul?

• When have you felt especially close to God?

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Thursday, August 21Psalm 57 – Praise and Assurance under Persecution

Key Verse:

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadtow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by.” (Psalm 57:1)

Questions for Reflection:

• What does it mean to take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings?

• How do you turn your thoughts to praise during periods of distress?

Friday, August 22Psalm 39 – Prayer for Wisdom and Forgiveness

Key Verse:

“Lord, let me know my end, and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.” (Psalm 39:4)

Questions for Reflection:

• Would you live your life differently if you knew the measure of your days? Why or why not?

• How does knowing God gives you eternal life through Jesus Christ affect your view of mortality?

Tuesday, August 19Psalm 145 – The Greatness and the Goodness of God

Key Verse:

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18)

Questions for Reflection:

• What does it mean to call on God “in truth”?

• How do you experience the nearness of God?

Wednesday, August 20Psalm 131 – Song of Quiet Trust

Key Verse:

“O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time on and forevermore.” (Psalm 131:3)

Questions for Reflection:

• How can your pride get in the way of your relationship with God?

• How do the Psalmist’s humility and his trust in God go hand-in-hand?

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Monday, August 25Psalm 50 – The Acceptable Sacrifice

Key Verses:

“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High.” (Psalm 50:14)

Questions for Reflection:

• What does this Psalm teach you about the meaning of sacrifices?

• How do you offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God?

Tuesday, August 26Psalm 30 – Thanksgiving for Recovery from Grave Illness

Key Verses:

“Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment; his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:4-5)

Questions for Reflection:

• How have you experienced God’s healing power?

• Where do you see God in times of illness and death?

Saturday, August 23Psalm 116 – Thanksgiving for Recovery from Illness

Key Verse:

“What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me? (Psalm 116:12)

Questions for Reflection:

• What does God expect from you in return for all He has done?

• How can God turn your trials into your testimony? Are you willing to let Him?

Sunday, August 24Psalm 48 – The Glory and Strength of Zion

Key Verse:

“We ponder your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple.” (Psalm 48:9)

Questions for Reflection:

• What do you see in our sanctuary that reminds you of God’s steadfast love?

• How do you share God’s love from generation to generation?

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Friday, August 29Psalm 40 – Thanksgiving for Deliverance and Prayer for Help

Key Verse:

“You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you. Were I to proclaim and tell of them, they would be more than can be counted.” (Psalm 40:5)

Questions for Reflection:

• How many of God’s “wondrous deeds” can you list in five minutes?

• How do you share the good news of salvation with others?

Saturday, August 30Psalm 8 – Divine Majesty and Human Dignity

Key Verse:

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:3-4)

Questions for Reflection:

• Do you ever feel unworthy of God’s love? Why?

• How does this Psalm help you embrace God’s care and concern for you?

Wednesday, August 27Psalm 19 – God’s Glory in Creation and the Law

Key Verse:

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

Questions for Reflection:

• Why is it important to study and know the law of the Lord?

• How do you order your priorities to make time to pray and meditate on a daily basis?

Thursday, August 28Psalm 66 – Praise for God’s Goodness to Israel

Key Verse:

“For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried.” (Psalm 66:10)

Questions for Reflection:

• When has God tested you?

• What did you learn through that experience about yourself? About God?

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Sunday, August 31Psalm 100 – All Lands Summoned to Praise God

Key Verse:

“Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” (Psalm 100:3)

Questions for Reflection:

• What does it mean to “know that the Lord is God”?

• How does the image of God as the shepherd and you as a sheep deepen your relationship with God?

“There is no literature in all the world that is more true to life and more honest than Psalms, for there we have warts-and-all religion. Every skeptical thought, every

disappointing venture, every pain, every despair that we can face is lived through and integrated into a personal, saving

relationship with God – a relationship that also has in it acts of praise, blessing, peace,

security, trust and love.

“Good poetry survives not when it is pretty or beautiful or nice but when it is true:

accurate and honest. The Psalms are great poetry and have lasted not because they appeal to our fantasies and our wishes but because they are confirmed in the

intensities of honest and hazardous living.”

Eugene Peterson