The Psalms: Songs in the Key of Life … Rev. Phil Fenton
Wednesdays in Lent 2021
Beginning February 24 6:00 p.m.
The Psalms are Hebrew poetry at its best. And what was best about poetry then is still what is best about poetry: no other vehicle better gives expression to the heights and depths of the human experience. In this wonderful book one will find the full spectrum of human emotions. If you can feel it, you can find a psalm about it: joy, sadness, fear, anger, abandonment, tranquility, vengeance, repentance, praise, and helplessness. Sometimes exhilarating, sometimes calming, sometimes shocking, the psalms give us a peek into a very public yet very personal conversation between the author and his God. Nothing is “off” the table. God knows what is in our hearts at any given moment. We can’t help but feel what we feel, and the Psalms invite us to take even our “lesser” feelings to God in prayer.
Purpose:
+ To introduce worshipers to the great faith-resource that we have in the Book of Psalms.
+ To lead worshippers into to the understanding that in the book of Psalms you will find every emotion that human beings feel: joy, praise, sadness, fear, anger, contrition, resentment, etc. We can’t help but feel what we feel, and the Psalms invite us to take all of it to God in prayer.
+ To encourage worshippers to memorize (hide away in their hearts) entire psalms and portions of psalms so that they can be readily available to them to express their feelings of joy or to be “very present helps in times of trouble.”
+ To help worshippers experience the spiritual practice of meditation.
February 24 Introduction to “The Psalms: Songs in the Key of Life” – Psalm 23
March 3 “Awe and Wonder” Psalm 8
March 10 “Spiritual Depression” Psalm 42 – A Lament
March 17 “Lord, I’m Sorry” Psalm 51
March 24 “Lord, I’m Angry” Psalm 109
April 1, Maundy Thursday “Be Still To Know that I am God” Psalm 46
April 2, Good Friday “Where Can I Go from Your Presence?” Psalm 139