Read Psalm 25

This psalm is one of many acrostic psalms, where each line begins with each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This was a common poetic technique at the time, a bit like rhyming is today.

Reread Psalm 25:1-7

• What is the attitude of these verses?

• What is the author asking God for?

• Which of these prayers are most on your heart right now?

  • "I trust in you"

  • "Do not let my enemies triumph over me"

  • "Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths"

  • "Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways"

Pause for a moment to pray these prayers before continuing

Reread Psalm 25:8-15

These verses are about God, not written to God (apart from the moment of prayer in verse 11, right in the middle of the Psalm)

• How do these verses act as a response to the prayer of v1-7?

• What is the effect of the author's heart's cry in verse 11, right in the middle of these theological statements?

• What does this section say about trust, rescue, guidance & sin?

• How does it connect with the work of Jesus and the coming Kingdom of God?

Reread Psalm 25:16-22

Here the psalm returns to prayer again.

• What is different about this prayer compared to verses 1-7? Why do you think the psalm has been structured this way? Where does it lead us as readers?

• Can you trace repeated words, themes or ideas from the two earlier sections to this one? How do the three sections hold together?

• How does the Psalm conclude in verses 21 & 22? How satisfied (or unsatisfied) does it leave you feeling?

• What is your response to this Psalm? What does it lead you to do with your heart's prayers from earlier?
  

• How has God's presence comforted you in times of trouble, anguish, etc? If you're comfortable, share your story with your group.

Take the time to pray for one another about the darkness in our lives and in our world.