DAY 31: PSALM 31

Day 31

PSALM 31: Taking Refuge

By now we are getting a full picture in psalms of a trustworthy God in whom we should take refuge. Go through the psalm and see how many times ‘refuge’ is spoken of. What are the other ways in which the psalmist expresses taking refuge in God (eg ‘I trust in the Lord’ verse 6).

What are the different ways in this psalm that explain why we can take refuge in God?

Read Luke 23:46 (from Psalm 31:5). How does this affect we read the psalm and think about Jesus?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Entrust your life into God's hands, just as Jesus did, and pray for steadfast faith in trials.

2. Pray for deeper relationships between members across different services.

3. Give thanks for the peace and stability we enjoy in Australia. On Anzac Day, thank God for those who have sacrificed much for that peace. Pray for military chaplains serving today.

DAY 30: PSALM 30

Day 30

PSALM 30: The Thankful Psalm

Psalm 30 is a prayer of praise and thanksgiving when help requested has been answered by God. What was the psalmist’s circumstances before and after rescue?

What is the grave (literally Sheol) in verse 3 or ‘pit’ in verse 3 and 5? What is the problem about it according to this psalm and elsewhere (Psalm 6:4-5, 88:10-12, 115:17, Isa 38:17-19)?

Why do you think it so important that God be praised?

How does God’s goodness to you lead into thanksgiving (verse 12 or Col 2:6-7)

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Thank God for lifting you from despair and pray that your life would overflow with thanksgiving.

2. Pray for wisdom for our Evangelism team in planning and executing outreach events.

3. Rev. Thang Bwee: Continue to pray for peace in Myanmar. Pray for the perseverance and joy amidst affliction for the church in Myanmar.

DAY 29: PSALM 29

Day 29

PSALM 29: The God of glory

This psalm stands out as a spectacular call to praise the LORD, the God of glory. The ‘mighty ones’ are most likely the powerful spiritual creatures or angels gathered round God’s throne (see 103:19-21).

What are some of the repeated words or ideas? What do you think they mean?

How does the psalm make you feel?

The LORD indeed is enthroned over all creation and any chaotic forces such as floods or waters. This psalm would be particularly powerful for people or cultures for whom the natural world is the result of various spirits or lesser gods battling it out.

How does Jesus expand our thinking about the God of glory (see, for example, John 1:14 & 1 Cor 2:8).

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for His power over creation and ask Him to strengthen and bless His people with peace.

2. Pray for our serving pastor Mark Nugent as he helps encouraging our church family to use our time and talents in serving Jesus.

3. Pray for new relational opportunities that having a new baby might bring for Bethany Fraser to share Jesus with other mothers.

DAY 28: PSALM 28

Day 28

PSALM 28: Calling upon God

What are the particular sins of the wicked in this psalm?

What is it about God that means it’s right and good that we should trust him and pray to him?

What is the relationship between the LORD, his anoined one (Messiah) and

his people?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray for a heart that trusts in God as your strength and shield, rejoicing in His help.

2. Pray that we'd see our daily work and activities as acts of worship.

3. Linda McKerrell: Pray for wisdom and insight as she talks with people who are considering short or long term mission.

DAY 27: PSALM 27

Day 27

PSALM 27: Being with God

There has been a growing theme in Psalms of being with God in his dwelling place. Have a look at the following verses and note the various key words and ideas: 2:6, 3:4, 23:6, 24:3-6, 26:6-8.

What is it about God’s presence that is so desirable for the psalmist in Psalm 27?

How does Jesus fulfil our desire and need to be close to God (see Matt 28:20b)? What is yet to come (compare 1 John 3:2-3)?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1.Ask God to deepen your desire to dwell in His presence and to wait patiently on Him.

2. Pray for wisdom for those leading New City Kids and Youth as they share God's Word with young people, that children and youth in our church would come to know and believe the rich truths this passage teaches.

3. Pray for QUT Christians' staff team as they continue to adapt to new roles and responsibilities in 2025.

DAY 26: PSALM 26

Day 26

PSALM 26: ‘I lead a blameless life’

This psalm is confronting because it presents us with a man confident of his blameless life and innocence. How do we fit this with the clear biblical teaching of universal sinfulness (summed up, for example, in 1 Kings 8:46 or Romans 3:9-20). Must we say that only Jesus could say these words?

Some clues might be helpful.

  • Similar psalms like Psalm 7 have on view a particular situation or circumstance. So something else rather than a 100% Christlike perfection is being spoken about.

  • The word for blameless in verses 1 and 11 means ‘integrity’. This quality is more about a life dependent on God rather than hypothetical moral perfection (compare 19:12-13).

  • There are other examples in the Bible of saints commending their own innocence or integrity (see 2 Cor 1:12, 1 Thess 2:10, Jer 20:11-12, Dan 6:22).

More positively though, how can we let this psalm challenge our own tendency to moral complacency?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray for a life of integrity and devotion to God, confident in His steadfast love.

2. Pray that members of our church would remember their membership promises and act on them faithfully.

3. Pray for Jared Bradley to find a suitable language helper or course for learning German.

DAY 25: PSALM 25

Day 25

PSALM 25: The sinner’s trust in God

This psalm is an acrostic, which means each line begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Apart aiding memory and being poetic the acrostic feature can give a sense of the psalm encompassing all of life, just as it encompasses every letter.

What place has instruction (Torah in Hebrew) have in the lives of God’s people? What place does it have in your life?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Ask God to guide you in His truth and to remember you in His mercy, not according to your sins.

2. Pray for open doors for gospel conversations in our daily interactions.

3. Pray for J & R's children to find comfort in following Jesus despite even though following him is costly.

DAY 24: PSALM 24

Day 24

PSALM 24: The King of glory

The psalm begins with a concise but profound theology of creation (KJV’s ‘The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof…’ is a bit more poetic I think). What are the key things from verse 1 and 2 and how might they

impact our worldview?

Section 2 (verses 3-6) is about being with God. It’s a bit like Psalm 15 or 11:4-7. Scripture like this helps us understand how holy and good God is and how essential it is that his people reflect that. When we look forward to the NT we don’t ever find any ‘lowering of the bar’ of God’s standards (compare Matthew 5:20, Titus 2:11-14 or James 4:7-10 for example).

The last section (verses 7-10) is about ‘the King of Glory’, a phrase found only in this psalm. What picture does it give us of God?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for the gift in Christ of a pure heart so that you may stand before the King of glory in righteousness.

2. Pray that we would use our talents and time for God's glory in church service.

3. Pray for Griffith Christian Student's ongoing prayer initiative (2 for 2 - consistently praying for two non-Christian friends for two minutes a day) to bear fruit and cultivate a growing culture of prayerfulness.

DAY 23: PSALM 23

Day 23

PSALM 23: The Lord is my shepherd

In this very famous psalm the tone changes from the stormy Psalm 22 but there are a number of common themes or repeated words – how many can you find?

God is firstly a shepherd to his messiah David and ultimately Jesus. He has also always been a shepherd to Israel throughout their history. From the Psalm, what does it mean for us to have God as our shepherd?

This psalm has often been used at funerals. Can you see why (compare 1 Cor 15:26)?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Give thanks for rest in the Lord as your Shepherd and ask Him to lead you beside still waters and restore your soul.

2. Pray for unity of voice and heart as we praise God together in our gatherings this coming Sunday.

3. Pray for Mark and Anne Osbourne to experience God's strength. Pray that they'd experience good health as they keep on serving.

DAY 22: PSALM 22

Day 22

PSALM 22: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

This is a big psalm which seems to amplify a number of the themes of Psalms so far. Here’s a basic structure to help you get a grip on it.

  • 1-11: prayer for help part 1

  • 12-21: prayer for help part 2

  • 22-26: praise for help part 1

  • 27-31: praise for help part 2

What are the different aspects of the psalmist’s suffering?

Which groups of people are impacted by his deliverance? How are they affected?

This psalm is quoted or referred to many times in the gospels, especially Mark 15 and Matthew 27. How does this psalm shed light on Jesus, his death and resurrection?

Where can we see ourselves in this psalm?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Meditate on Jesus' suffering on the cross and give thanks that He endured forsakenness for our salvation.

2. Pray that God's Spirit would work in our hearts to apply Scripture to our lives, not just hear it.

3. Pray for the Djamaludin's to clearly preach the gospel in Thai, that many would be reconciled to Christ.

DAY 21: PSALM 21

Day 21

PSALM 21: Answered prayer for the king

Have a look back in Psalm 20. What prayers from that psalm have been answered in Psalm 21?

How does the king and psalmists (‘we’ in verse 13) respond?

“As in other psalms for the king, the theological purpose of Psalm 21 is to subordinate the human king to the divine king. Everything the king is, has, and does comes from God. The royal person is cause and reason for praise, trust, and hope in God.” (James L Mays in his commentary on Psalms). What do you think?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Rejoice in the victory God has given in Christ and pray for joy in His blessings.

2. Pray that we would be united as one body, caring for each member as family.

3. Pray for UQ Evangelical Students' reduced staff team, for strength and wisdom in their ministry.

DAY 20: PSALM 20

Day 20

PSALM 20: A prayer for the King

Psalm 20 remembers the king from psalm 18 (esp 18:50) and is, for the first time, the prayer of a group of people: ‘we’. What are all the requests they make?

What might it mean in the 21st Century to ‘trust in chariots and horses’ (verse 7)? Where should we place our trust?

Why should we be so happy that God has raised and rescued Jesus? See if meditating on these ideas can grow Christian joy in your heart.

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Commit your plans to God, trusting not in worldly power but in His mighty hand to save.

2. Pray that in our services at church and in our evangelistic ministries, we would clearly articulate the good news of Jesus to others.

3. Pray for Reformed Bible Institute in Myanmar to receive more students despite dangerous travel conditions.

DAY 19: PSALM 19

Day 19

PSALM 19: The revelation of God

God as our rock links this psalm with the one before (19:14, 18:2,31,46). What do you think this means?

How do you think ‘the heavens declare the glory of God’?

How does the word of God (7-11) compare to the revelation of God in nature (1-6)?

What’s the connection between verse 7-11 and 12,13?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Thank God for His revelation in creation and Scripture, and pray that His Word would shape your thoughts and actions.

2. Pray that God would raise up new ministry team leaders for each area of church life.

3. Pray for the Frasers: for deep trust in God as they enjoy and adjust to life with their new baby boy Fredrik.

DAY 18: PSALM 18

Day 18

PSALM 18: The victory of God’s messiah

Read Psalm 18 and then Psalm 2. What themes from Psalm 2 do you see picked up here?

What do you think of the depiction of God as a warrior in verses 7-15?

Where do we stand in relation to Jesus, God’s anointed descendant of David?

What parts of this Psalm can we apply to ourselves?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for being your rock and deliverer, and pray for courage to trust in His strength.

2. Pray for families in our church to establish meaningful habits of daily Bible reading and prayer.

3. Linda McKerrell: Pray for the growth and spiritual maturity of participants in OMF's 'Mission Steps' young adults discussion group.

DAY 17: PSALM 17

Day 17

PSALM 17: Rescue for the innocent

Like with Psalm 7, we can at first be confused by the psalmist appealing to his own heart in speaking with God. But suspend judgment and look closely through the psalm to figure out his situation and what he’s asking for.

Where is the hope of this man?

Could you apply verse 15 to our resurrection (compare 1 Cor 13:12; 1 Thess 4:13-18)?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Ask God to guard you and keep you faithful as you await the ultimate hope of seeing Him face to face.

2. Pray that we would prioritise meeting together in Growth Groups, even when life gets busy.

3. Pray for QUT Christians' student leaders, that they would serve faithfully under Jesus's leadership.

DAY 16: PSALM 16

Day 16

PSALM 16: A personal trust in God

This psalm seems to be coming from a situation of security or even prosperity – a great change from previous psalms! Yet the psalmist is not deceived by this. How does he worship God in his attitude, words and actions (compare commandments 1 and 2 in Deut 5:7-10)?

Like 15:5 this writer will never be shaken. What is his hope beyond death?

How is this psalm fulfilled in Jesus (see Acts 13:35)?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Thank God for the security and joy of knowing Him, and pray that He would keep your heart devoted to Him.

2. Pray that we would have eyes to see and welcome those visiting our services.

3. Pray for the Bradley family's ministry among Turkish diaspora in Germany, for a fruitful year in life and ministry.

DAY 15: PSALM 15

Day 15

PSALM 15: The person fit for God

This person describes the qualities of the person who can be near and with the holy God in his temple, or in his presence. What are the things they do or are like? What are the things they don’t do or be like?

How does this better help us understand God’s holiness? (compare 5:4-6)

Thankfully, Christ is our righteousness (1 Cor 1:30) and he sanctifies us to be fit for God’s presence (1 Cor 6:11). Yet this psalm challenges to take godliness seriously (compare 1 Thess 4:7-8). Use this psalm to instruct you as to where you need to repent, change and grow.

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Ask God to grow you in integrity and righteousness so that you may dwell in His presence.

2. Pray for the Taste & See course that will run in Term 2 - that God would draw seekers to himself through it.

3. Pray for J&R's local team members who face a lack of support and discouragement even from family members in their ministry work.

DAY 14: PSALM 14

Day 14

PSALM 14: A godless society

In this psalm the mood is still dark like the previous Psalms but in form it’s more instruction than a cry for help. Why is it foolish to say there is no God?

What’s the connection between these people’s hearts and behaviour?

Paul quotes this psalm in Romans 3:10-12 (and the psalm is repeated almost exactly as Psalm 53). How does it feel to include yourself among this group?

Where is the hope for us given the presence of sin in the world and in ourselves?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1.Confess your need for God's salvation, acknowledging that all have turned away but in Christ we have hope.

2. Give thanks and pray for those serving in New City Kids and New City Youth as they get ready for ministry this weekend.

3. Pray for Griffith University's Christian students to grow in confidence in sharing the gospel across Brisbane campuses.

DAY 13: PSALM 13

Day 13

PSALM 13: Trust expressed through singing

Psalm 73:20 describes all or most of books 1 and 2 as ‘the prayers of David son of Jesse’. What has it been like reading these prayers? Do you think we should we be praying them as Christians?

What are the emotions David is feeling in his situation?

The Hebrew word behind ‘unfailing love’ in verse 5 is hesed, a word you’ll often hear in talks or read in commentaries. It means God’s steadfast love or faithfulness but can be translated as love, kindness or even mercy. Commentator James Mays says ‘hesed means the reliable helpfulness of the LORD to any and all that are dependent on him.’ Have a look at some of the following verses and meditate on God’s hesed: Ex 15:13, Ps 31:16, Ps 136:1-3, Isa 54:8-10.

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Bring your feelings of doubt or waiting before God, and ask Him to renew your trust in His steadfast love.

2. The righteousness that is gifted to us in no way should lead boasting. Pray that as a church we'd offer our lives as living sacrifices to God.

3. Pray for Mark & Anne Osborne's translation team as they review first drafts of Matthew, Colossians, and Ephesians.

DAY 12: PSALM 12

Day 12

PSALM 12: When liars overwhelm the godly

There are several rough categories for different types of psalms. This one, like many others in book 1 is an example of ‘The prayer for help of an individual’ (sometimes called a psalm of lament).

Why do you think lying and similar ideas from this psalm are so evil?
How do God’s word’s compare to human lies (verse 6)?

How do the words of Jesus fit with this psalm (see for example John 1:14 -17)?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Ask God to help you speak truthfully and to trust in His pure and enduring words.

2. Pray for Growth Group leaders as they prepare to guide others through God's Word each week.

3. Pray for Dan & Rachel Djamaludin's Sunday fellowship in their community in Bangkok. Pray for wisdom in their pastoral care of people in that fellowship group.