1: How to Read the Psalms – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: Accepting the psalms in their historical, theological, and liturgical contexts is key for understanding their messages which span across thousands of years to our time.
January 6, 2024

A. Have a volunteer read Nehemiah 12:8, Psalm 18:1, Psalm 30:1,2.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
What were some reasons or occasions that inspired the writing of some of the psalms?
Personal Application: Have you, or do you use the psalms in your own private or corporate worship?” Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your relatives states, “The Psalms were written in the Old Testament for praise and worship of God for the Jews. They have no applicability to us today as New Testament Christians. They are mostly about war and conquering their enemies.” How would you respond to your relative?

B. Have a volunteer read Psalm 3:5-8, Psalm 33:1-3, Psqalm 109:6-15.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What different occasions of human experience do these psalms convey?
(Note: Hymns that magnify God. Thanksgiving psalms. Laments and cries for God’s deliverance. Wisdom psalms for good living. Royal psalms to the king and deliverer.)
Personal Application: What kind of psalms would you most likely be apt to use or write in your references to God in your life? Share your thoughts
Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why does David write so many psalms that seem to focus on destroying his enemies and bringing judgment on others? Where is Crist’s love for the erring and sinners in his heart?” How would you respond to your friend?

C. Have a volunteer read 2 Samuel 23:1-2, Romans 8:26,27.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What do these texts teach us about prayer?
Personal Application: How comforting is it to know that God’s Spirit is interceding for us with God according to God’s will when we pray? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “When the Spirit intercedes for us in groanings; is that speaking of the tongues of angels so God can hear and understand our prayers?” How would you respond to your relative?

D. Have a volunteer read Psalm 16:8, 44:8, 46:1.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What place does God occupy in the psalmist’s life?
Personal Application: Are there any parts of your life that you may trying to keep the Lord at a distance? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).