Point of Grace Online Worship 7.19.20
Sermon Notes - “Psalms – Ancient Prayers for Unprecedented Times!”
The Psalms are
ancient
poetic
prayers
perfect for us to use today.
Psalm 27
(1-6)
The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.
We see a rhythm emerging in vs. 1-6 to help us pray with the Psalmist.
The Lord (Jesus) is …
Therefore I …
Rehearsing the reality of my God into my life is life for me!
4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. 5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. 6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Soaking in the “The Lord is …” truth ignites the desire for His presence…
... but the psalmist is still struggling within and honest about it. (7-12)
7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. 8 To you, O my heart, He has said, “Seek My face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. 9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. 10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. 11 Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. 12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.
The Lord is …
Therefore I …
Even when … (this is the point we saw examples of opposing emotions within the psalmist – within us)
13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
The Lord is …
Therefore I …
Even when …
The Lord still is …
Therefore I still …
Homework: Read and pray Psalm 27 every day this week! (Hint: Follow the reading schedule in the notes.)
Join in on “After Thoughts” Thursday at 7 pm – Facebook Live or go to www.pog.church/live to view.
Resources which will help you “pray the Psalms” this week.
The Scripture Reading schedule for this week is somewhat unique. Our goal is to meditate on Psalm 27 all week taking small portions as we go. The meditation hints below may help you. The following is a suggested daily rhythm.
- Read all of Psalm 27 each day.
- Then slowly reread verse 1, the designated verses for the day, then verse 14. Use the meditation hints below as a help. (Solitude, Scripture, Prayer, Finish)
Mon – Psalm 27: 1, 2-3, 14 Tue – Psalm 27: 1, 4-6, 14 Wed – Psalm 27: 1, 7-8, 14 Thur –Psalm 27:1, 9-10, 14 Fri – Psalm 27:1, 11-13,14 Sat - Psalm 27:1-14
Meditation Hints:
Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”
Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.
Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.
Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.
Restoration Year by John Eldredge – A 365 Day Devotional - These daily devotions are excellent encouragement to live by the Spirit each day.
Check out bibleproject.com. Look for their videos on the Psalms.
The “One Minute Pause” App by Ransomed Heart (use is multiple times every day)
“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (Devotional Book)