Week 1 Day 1: Psalms of Praise

Read Psalm 8

Personal Bible Study
Research the difference between the Hebrew words LORD and Lord used in verse 1. 

• How are these words distinct?  
• How does the unique meaning of each word deepen the meaning?

Family Discussion Guide

• What does praise mean?
• Why do people receive praise?
• Why does God deserve to be praised?

Daily Reflection Questions

• What fundamental truth does this text reveal?
• How does this text inform the way God intends me to view myself, others, my circumstances, and the world?
• How can I apply the truth of this text to my life in a practical way?

Community Conversation Suggestions:

• Did you find anything in these passages familiar?  What had you read or heard before?
• Did anything encourage, inspire, challenge, or convict you?  What verses?  How did they challenge you?
• What is the benefit of applying the spiritual principles from these passages to your life?
• What spiritual principles in these passages contradict the message of the world?

Spiritual Formation Activity
Write a Psalm of Praise to the Lord.

• Write a praise that reflects God as Adonai and as Yahweh.  (Psalm 8)
• Include praise in your new song, and release your old song to God.  (Psalm 65)
• Include your I will statements committing to the ways you will praise God in the future.  (Psalm 145)
• Include what you would boastfully shout about in praise to God and in praise of God to others.  (Psalm 150)

Weekly Memory Verse:
I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praises to my Lord as long as I live. - Psalm 142:2