Discussion Starters

We hope these questions will help you consider (or discuss with others) what God is teaching you through this month’s study of His Word.

Week 1:

• Why do you think so many people turn to the Psalms as a prayer guide?
• Has spending time in corporate worship ever changed your perspective on God as it did for Asaph in Psalm 73? What was that experience like?
• Have you ever been in a situation where you were waiting upon God? How does Psalm 74 handle that type of situation?
• How can your experience of God in the past, or in Scripture, encourage you to continue to trust Him in the present (see Psalms 76 and 77)?

Week 2:

• How is Psalm 80 a good example of a prayer of confession? How does the Psalmist acknowledge sin? How does he address God? (see June 8)
• Have you ever taken a “what have you done for me lately?” attitude toward God? How does Psalm 81 address this? (see June 9)
• How does Psalm 82 demonstrate God’s heart for the poor and oppressed? (see June 10)
• Why is it important for God’s love and faithfulness to complement his righteousness and peace? What does this tell us about God (see June 13)

Week 3:

• Are there times in life when you can relate to the lament in Psalm 88? How could this psalm help you process that grief? (see June 15)
• How can numbering our days lead to us making wiser decisions? How does Psalm 90 help us with that perspective (see June 17)
• How is Psalm 91 a comfort to you in the midst of dangers and threats in the world? (see June 18)
• Try writing a psalm of lament. Pour out your heart, presenting your needs to God and asking for His wisdom and comfort.

Week 4:

• How is our praise of God a motivation for missions? (see June 22)
• What are some idols in our society, or even in the church, that need to be named and denounced? (see June 23)
• Psalms 104-106 recount Israel’s history to render praise to God. What are some items from the New Testament, church history, or your own life that you could add to that list? (see June 28-30)
• Try writing your own psalm of praise, including moments from your faith history.

BY Ryan Cook

Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.