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IntroductionThe Book of Psalms

We’re going to camp in the Psalms this summer. They are some of the earliest recorded worship songs in history. Think of them as campfire songs, campfire stories. They have a profound ability to touch the deepest emotions of the human heart.

In Psalm 119:11, King David says, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

We want to encourage you to go beyond the weekend experience and hide the Psalms in your heart through the daily discipline of memorization. We don’t just want to get through the word; we want to get the word through us. There’s no better way to do that than to memorize scripture. The reason is simple: memorization allows the message to sink into your spirit in a way that’s impos-sible with reading. Don’t be surprised if you discover things you never noticed before!

We are so excited about memorizing the Psalms, we’ve provided this booklet to help you engage. It will guide you through one Psalm each week and provide a short passage for us to memorize together. It also has space for sermon notes and journaling so you can record what God teaches you throughout the series. Mark it up. Make it your own.

Finally, make sure to share what you are learning. We really do believe one summer can change your life and your relationship with God, but we are convinced it happens best in community.

by Mark Batterson

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Week 1Psalms 119Psalms 1-16

Week 2Psalms 17-33

Week 3Psalms 34-51

Week 4Psalms 52-68

Week 5Psalms 69-85

Reading PlanRead 2-3 Psalms per day

Week 6Psalms 86-102

Week 7Psalms 103-118

Week 8Psalms 120 – 137

Week 9 Psalms 138-150

The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed.

-Patrick Henry

Resources and music downloads available at http://theaterchurch.com/psalms

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HiddenWeek 1

Psalm 119A Psalm of David1 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.2 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.3 They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.4 You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!6 Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.7 As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!8 I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.10 I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands.

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11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.12 I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.13 I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us.14 I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

Memorization Tips

Keep It Visible. Put a notecard with the verse in visible places: on you bathroom mirror, your desk at work, and in your phone.

Journal

What is the connection between your thoughts and your relationship with God?

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“his heart would be kept by the word

because he kept the word in his heart.”

-Charles H. Spurgeon

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Journal

What “words of God” need to take root in your heart? Think in terms of promises to claim, truths truth to believe, or a Biblical example to follow.

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The word of God hidden in the heart

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is a stubborn voice to suppress.-Billy Graham

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One of the many divine qualities of the Bible is

that it does not yield its secrets to the irreverent

and the censorious. -James I. Packer

psalm 23:5a

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Good ShepherdWeek 2

the

Psalm 23A psalm of David.1 The Lord is my shepherd;I have all that I need.

2 He lets me rest in green meadows;he leads me beside peaceful streams.

3 He renews my strength.He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley,[a]I will not be afraid,for you are close beside me.Your rod and your staffprotect and comfort me.

Memorization Tips

Section Long Passages. Break the passage into small sections of 1-2 verses to focus on each day.

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The sight of any trouble strikes terror into the heart of those who do

not have faith, but those who trust Him say,

“Here comes my food!”- Watchman Nee

Chinese Missionary Under Communist Rule

5 You prepare a feast for mein the presence of my enemies.You honor me by anointing my head with oil.My cup overflows with blessings.

6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

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Journal

Psalm 23 is incredibly comforting and grounding. It helps us trust God’s sovereignty.

Pick a verse that touches you and start telling the Lord what it means to you.

Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.

- Oswald Chambers

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Journal

Recall a recent time when God fulfilled this Psalm in your life. Articulating and thanking God for His activity in your life is a powerful form of worship.

All God’s giants hAve been weak men who did greAt things for God becAuse they reckoned on God being with them.

- J. hudson Taylor

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Now, God be praised, that to believing souls gives light in darkness, comfort in despair.

- William Shakespeare

Psalm 37:6

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Week 3

Psalm 374 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.6 He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.7 Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

Take Delight

Memorization Tips

Write it down. Going analog engages the part of our brain that helps with retention.

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23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.25 Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.26 The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing.27 Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever.28 For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly.

“In His will is our peace”. - Dante

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Journal

Map your life. There’s no better way to see how God has ordered your footsteps than to look at the path behind you. Here’s how to record your story:

1. Divide Life Into Chapters. Think in terms of school grades, seasons, transformational moments, rites of passage.

2. For each chapter, list in bullet points:

a. Significant People

b. Significant Places

c. Significant Events

i. Big Dreams

ii. Big Decisions

iii. Big Deals

iv. Big Days

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Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.

-Corrie ten Boom

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GO

Whereyourbest

prayerslead

you.

-Frederich Beuchner

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Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.

- Albert Einstein

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If you’re wrestling with some sort of decision, reflect for a

moment and ask yourself, Am I being brave, or am I being safe?

In the end, it depends on whether we think God can be trusted.

- Gary Haugen, Founder of IJM

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Dwelling PlaceWeek 4

Psalm 84A psalm of the descendants of Korah, a song.1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.2 I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord.With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her youngat a place near your altar, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!4 What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. Interlude5 What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,[b] it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.7 They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.[c]8 O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, O God of Jacob. Interlude

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9 O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield! Show favor to the one you have anointed.10 A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.11 For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory.The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.12 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.

Memorization Tips

Contemplaton. Don’t just recite the words, contemplate the meaning. This form of memorization is called meditation. It helps us dwell in the presence of God.

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Journal

God’s presence is where these Psalmists longed to be. Position yourself before God with the right posture.

This passage says that joy comes to those whose strength and trust are in the Lord. Declare your dependence on God. What do you need to trust God with? What do you need strength for?

Tell God how much you enjoy and need his presence. This simple act of praise and creates intimacy with God.

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O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those

who trust in you.Ps. 84:12

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A man who wants to see a country must not hurry through it by express train, but he must stop in the towns and villages, and see what is to be seen… Don’t hurry through Scripture, but pause for the Lord to speak to you. Oh, for more meditation!

– C.H. Spurgeon

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Week 5

Psalm 1391 O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.5 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!7 I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave,[a] you are there.9 If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans,10 even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.11 I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—

God who knowsthe

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12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book.Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.17 How precious are your thoughts about me,[b] O God. They cannot be numbered!18 I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!And when I wake up, you are still with me!19 O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers!20 They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your name.21 O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you?22 Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies.23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

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Journal

Two-way journaling. Spend some time listening to God. Find a quiet place that is free of distraction, and ask God to tell his thoughts about you. Even if it feels like your voice at first, write down everything you hear God saying.

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Memorization Tips

Say it out loud. We believe what we talk about. Speaking things out loud help us internalize the truths in God’s word.

To be loved but not knownis comforting but

superficial. To be known and not loved

is our greatest fear. But to be fully known

and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God.

It is what we need more than anything.

- Timothy Keller

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There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God.

- Brother Lawrence

The

Lord isclose

to

the

broken

hearted;

psalm 34:18

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BrokenheartedWeek 6

Psalm 341 I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.2 I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.11 Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord.

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12 Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!14 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.16 But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth.17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!21 Calamity will surely overtake the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished.22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

Memorization Tips

Pray It Through. When we pray the scriptures, we’re praying God’s word back to him. It gives us powerful language to express what is in our hearts, and helps us claim God’s promises for our lives.

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Journal

Prayer Journal. Is there anything you are brokenhearted over right now? Express it to God. Is there anyone you know going through a difficult time? Pray this Psalm over them.

Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.

- C.S. Lewis

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"The waters are rising, but so am I.

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I am not going under, but over”—Catherine Booth, co-founder of the Salvation Army

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Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

- Jesus Christ, John 14:1

clean hands

pure heart

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Week 7

Psalm 24A psalm of David1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.2 For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths.3 Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.5 They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior.6 Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. Interlude

Pure HeartClean Hands

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7 Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter.8 Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, invincible in battle.9 Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter.10 Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Heaven’s Armies— he is the King of glory.

Memorization Tips

Do Something. Obedience is the fuel for transformation. The gospel is not about what you can do for God, it is about what God has done for you. But the response is on us.

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Journal

Prayer Journal. Is there anything you are brokenhearted over right now? Express it to God. Is there anyone you know going through a difficult time? Pray this Psalm over them.

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Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.

- Max Lucado

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Week 8

Psalm 100A Psalm of Thanksgiving.1 Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!2 Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.5 For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Worship

Memorization Tips

Use Memory Cues. Allow each posture of Psalm 100 to guide you through the process of worship. Begin by acknowledging God. Thank Him for what he has done – nothing is too far removed to acknowledge his involvement in! Then praise Him by declaring true things about his character.

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Journal

Find Unique Expression. Nobody can worship God for you or like you. Journal when and where you feel closest to God, then worship with all your might. Go outside, create something, sing, write, or serve – for the distinct purpose of expressing value to God.

When

we give

God our

praise,

he gives

us his

presence.

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I play the notes as they are written,

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but it is God who makes the music.- J. S. Bach

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All our life is like a day of celebration for us; we are

convinced, in fact, that God is always everywhere. We work while singing, we sail while

reciting hymns, we accomplish all other occupations of life

while praying.—Clement of Alexandria

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The Christian should be an alleluia from head to foot! - St. Augustine

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Psalm 145:3

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Week 9

Psalm 145A psalm of praise of David.1 I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever.2 I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever.3 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.4 Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.5 I will meditate[b] on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles.6 Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness.7 Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.8 The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.9 The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.10 All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you.11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power.

Every Day

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12 They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign.13 For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations.The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.[c]14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.15 The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it.16 When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.17 The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.19 He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.20 The Lord protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked.21 I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever.

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Memorization Tips

Share It. Hide God’s word in your heart by sharing it. The ability to teach others is a mark of learning. In the same way, seal what God has done by telling somebody else. Here are a few questions to help:

Over the last 9 weeks, God _____ .

The most significant thing I learned was _______.

What I did about it: _______________

The Word in my heart is _______.

I’m praising God because _________.

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Don't let your experience stop hereGet plugged in. Join a small group, go on a mission trip, or serve on a weekend ministry team. Visit theaterchurch.com to find your next step.

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