DAY 11: PSALM 11

Day 11

PSALM 11: When you don’t know what to do

In this psalm the psalmist refuses to flee from his persecutors. Why?

List out the things we learn about God in 4-7. How do you feel about the soul of God hating the wicked and those who love violence (verse 5)?

Can you imagine a situation where you might have no idea what to do?

How would this psalm help you in a situation like that?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray for faith to stand firm when the foundations seem to be crumbling, trusting that God is on His throne.

2. Pray that newcomers would connect deeply into our church family.

3. UQ Evangelical Students: Pray for courage for the staff team and students as they seek to share the good news of Jesus on campus.

DAY 10: PSALM 10

Day 10

PSALM 10: The LORD reigns (continued)

How are some of the ideas of Psalm 9 continued here?

What are the wicked like according to this psalm?

The Psalms, this one included, are always confident that God is good and will rescue his people. But even so, we still come across heartfelt questions like verse 1 (cp 4:2, 6:3) or even ‘commands’ to God like verse 12 (cp 3:7, 4:1, 5:1,2). Why do you think there is this tension between earthly situations and the reality of God’s goodness and power?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Ask God to intervene against injustice in the world and to strengthen your trust in His sovereign rule.

2. Pray for boldness to share the gospel with friends and family.

3. Rev. Thang Bwee in Myanmar. Pray for peace in Myanmar and freedom for gospel ministry.

DAY 9: PSALM 9

Day 9

PSALM 9: The LORD reigns

Psalms 9 and 10 are closely related since 10 continues the acrostic pattern of 9. ‘Acrostic’ means that each section begins with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

A big theme of the Psalms is that God is king, or ‘the LORD reigns’. How have you seen this expressed so far in Psalms (see 2:4, 5:2, 7:7, 8:1,9)? Where do you see this in Psalm 9?

How does God’s kingship affect the way the Psalms interpret the world?

What are the great promises in this psalm? How can they help you trust in God (10), rejoice in him (2) and praise him (1,2,11)?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Thank God for His justice and pray for the oppressed to find refuge in Him.

2. Pray that God would develop servant hearts within our church family, following Christ's example.

3. Pray for Josh & Bethany Fraser's growing language abilities as they partner with their church in Slovenia.

DAY 8: PSALM 8

Day 8

PSALM 8: The Majesty of the LORD’s name

How does the tone of verse 8 compare to Psalms 3-7?

What is humanity’s place in the universe? How does this compare to Genesis 1:26-28?

This psalm is quoted in Hebrews 2:6-8 to show how Jesus’ fulfils God’s purpose for humanity. It is also quoted by Jesus in Matthew 21:16 as a subtle claim to divinity. These are worth thinking through if you have time. Why do you think this psalm starts and finishes with praise to God’s majesty?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Worship God for His majestic name and thank Him for the privilege of being made in His image.

2. Pray that as we gather this coming Sunday we would worship the Lord wholeheartedly rejoicing in God's saving work through Christ Jesus.

3. Pray for wisdom for Linda McKerrell as she counsels people considering short or long-term missions with OMF.

DAY 7: PSALM 7

Day 7

PSALM 7: God the righteous judge

The meaning of verse 0 is a mystery to commentators but again David seems to be in trouble from an enemy. In this case pursuit and attack related to a particular accusation (3,4).

Verse 8, at first glance, seems hard to fit with the biblical view of human sinfulness (cp 130:3, 143:2, Rom 3:23). I think what’s going on is that the psalmist is confident of his innocence in this particular matter. It’s a bit like when Paul declares his innocence in certain matters (Acts 20:26, 24:10-21, 2 Cor 1:23).

What sort of a judge is God?

What will it look like to ‘take refuge’ in him (1)

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God as the righteous judge who will bring justice and pray for endurance in times of false accusation or opposition.

2. Pray that we would be hungry for God's Word and treasure the Scriptures in our daily lives.

3. Pray for QUT Christians' FOCUS ministry, that God would raise up new international student leaders to join their core team.

DAY 6: PSALM 6

Day 6

PSALM 6: O LORD heal me

In this psalm the writer again prays for mercy and deliverance in his trouble. Only in this case the problem is internal – agonised bones, groaning and weeping – and the prayer is for healing. It could be a physical problem or more metaphorical for a problem of emotions, the spirit or even sin. What does the prayer show about the psalmist’s view of God’s sovereignty (control) at this time?

What are the different things he appeals to in making his prayer (4,5)?

Does this fit with your view of God? Is this a prayer you could pray?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Cry out to God for mercy in times of suffering, trusting that He hears the prayers of His people.

2. Pray for the 5pm service to continue to grow and reach new people.

3. Josh & Bethany Fraser: Pray for deepening relationships with their community and gospel opportunities.

DAY 5: PSALM 5

Day 5

PSALM 5: The King’s protection for his people

Psalm 4 was for strings and finished with sleep. Psalm 5 is for flutes and for prayer in the morning (verse 3). What do you think is the structure of the psalm?

For the first time in Psalms God is explicitly called the King. What are the kingly qualities of God revealed here?

What will this mean for ‘the wicked’ and ‘the righteous’?

God’s hatred of lying is forcefully expressed in Psalm 5. Confess your lies, ask God’s forgiveness and pray for change.

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Ask God to lead you in righteousness and give you joy in taking refuge in Him.

2. Pray that we'd continue to encourage people to consider doing an MTS Apprenticeship.

3. Jared & Verena Bradley: Pray for wisdom in navigating immigration challenges in Germany.

DAY 4: PSALM 4

Day 4

PSALM 4: Confidence in the LORD

Psalm 4, like Psalm 3 is a prayer, but it’s also a song (verse 0). Why should singing and prayer fit together like this?

What seems to be David’s distress in this case?

Why is he confident?

Can you say verse 8? (compare Phil 4:6-7)

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray for peace in your heart, knowing that God hears your prayers and gives true security in Him.

2. Pray for new missionaries being raised up and sent out from Ann Street.

3. J & R: Pray for their children to grow in authentic faith and follow God unswervingly.

DAY 3: PSALM 3

Day 3

PSALM 3: King David in Trouble

Psalm 2 spoke of God’s anointed king, yet here is David, Israel’s greatest king in trouble. Psalm 3 is very clearly a prayer. Read 2 Samuel 25:1-18 for background.

How does David feel about his situation?

What seems to be at stake here is whether God will deliver his anointed king. Why is this so important? Can you see how the psalm points forward to Jesus?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Bring your troubles before the Lord and trust in Him as your shield and the One who lifts your head in times of distress.

2. Pray for God's guidance for our elders as they think about our vision and seek to identify where to plant new services and churches.

3. Pray for students who are part of Griffith Christian Students to grow in their ability and confidence in evangelism across each of the Griffith campuses round Brisbane.

DAY 2: PSALM 2

Day 2

PSALM 2: The King’s Rule

How is the tone different to Psalm 1?

Go through the psalm and figure out who is speaking in each verse.

Psalm 1 and 2 both talk about the LORD and blessing. How do they complement each other?

Read Acts 4:23-31. ‘his anointed one’ is the same as ‘his messiah’ or ‘his Christ’. How does Jesus fulfil this psalm? Where do you stand with Jesus?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray that you would trust in Jesus, God's chosen King, and take refuge in Him rather than resisting His rule.

2. Thank God for a growing number of Growth Group leaders. Pray that that the Growth Team would invest well in our GG Leaders.

3.Dan & Rachel Djamaludin: Pray for the growth of Sunday gatherings and for the children to know and love the Lord.

DAY 1: PSALM 1

Day 1

PSALM 1: The Blessed One

There are two types of people in this psalm. What are they like?

Why do you think one path leads to blessing?

This psalm stands at the beginning of the Psalms almost like an invitation to read the following psalms, meditate on them and so become like this blessed man. Thank God for his word to you and pray for help in reading the psalms over the coming month.

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Ask God to shape your heart by His Word so that you delight in Him and walk in the way of righteousness.

2. Pray for wisdom for our staff and elders in identifying potential future leaders within our congregation.

3. Mark & Anne Osborne: Pray for faithfulness and effectiveness in Bible translation.

DAY 47: ROMANS 16:25-27

DAY 47

ROMANS 16:25-27

Romans finishes with another beautiful doxology (compare 11:33-36). What does this tell us about God's character and actions?

Verse 26 picks up the link between obedience and faith that was in 1:5 and also throughout the whole book. How do you understand how faith and obedience fit together?

Well done on finishing Romans! What have been the highlights for you?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Look at the "highlights" you've just reflected on from Romans. Spend time giving thanks and praise to God for the momentous news of the gospel.

2. Pray about areas of your life where Romans has confronted and challenged you. Pray for the power of God's gospel to transform you.

3. Pray for those involved in different ministries across our church - particularly those "behind the scenes" type ministries. Pray for strength for those who might be feeling weary in their service.

DAY 46: ROMANS 16:17-23

DAY 46

ROMANS 16:17-23

The previous passage was great for showing gospel unity.

Unfortunately, divisions and obstacles can also be part of Christian experience. What does it mean to watch out for certain people?

What are their strategies?

It is possible that you might be someone creating divisions or obstacles? Hopefully not, but worth reflecting on every now and again.

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray for ASPC, that God would preserve us from division and those who might put obstacles in our way. Pray for the leaders of our church and indeed all of us to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.

2. Pray that flowing out of our weekly gatherings our personal devotional times would be rich with genuine praise and adoration.

3. Pray for the Bradley family's witness among the Turkish diaspora in Germany, for opportunities to share Christ's love.

DAY 45: ROMANS 16:1-16

DAY 45

ROMANS 16:1-16

Even though Paul hasn't yet been to Rome he has heaps of personal greetings for people he knows or has worked with. These include Jews and Gentiles; men and women; and people from all classes or levels of society. Phoebe was probably the person who carried the letter from Cenchreae (near Corinth) to Rome.

What does Paul love and value about all these people?

Who is a real encouragement to you from church or previous churches and ministries? Can you think of someone it would be good to call, visit or write to?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for the faithful servants who labour alongside us in the gospel, and thank Him for the unity and love that bind us together as one body in Christ, working for His glory.

2. Think of those who have encouraged you in your walk with Jesus at church or in other settings. Spend some time thanking God for them and praying for them.

3. Pray for J & R's team to serve with hope and perseverance despite challenges and uncertainty.

DAY 44: ROMANS 15:23-33

DAY 44

ROMANS 15:23-33

Paul explained in the last passage how his commitment to evangelism meant he previously had no time or opportunity to go to Rome. The gospel had managed to come to Rome without him (we're not sure exactly how). What has changed now that he's planning to come?

What does he ask and hope for from the Roman Christians?

Verse 30 is a good reminder of the hard work or 'struggle' of prayer. How are you going with prayer at the moment?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for the partnership in the gospel that unites believers across the world, and thank Him for the opportunity to support and encourage one another in the mission of spreading His message of hope and salvation.

2. Pray that in our Growth Groups we would be intentional about encouraging fellow group members in their walk with Christ.

3. Pray for students who are part of Griffith Christian Students to grow deeper in their reliance on God's grace.

DAY 43: ROMANS 15:14-22

DAY 43

ROMANS 15:14-22

Verse 13 concluded the previous section with a 'prayer wish'. Paul now goes on to talk about his personal relationship and plans with the Romans.

Why has Paul written to them (v 14-15)?

How does Paul see himself in terms of his identity, job title, key responsibilities, strategies etc.?

Note: lllyricum was a region or Roman province around the area of modern day Croatia . 'From Jerusalem to lllyricum' is a way of saying a large chunk of the known ancient world.

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for the richness of His grace, empowering us to be bold in sharing the gospel, and thank Him for using us as instruments to proclaim the message of salvation to the nations.

2. Pray that we would effectively integrate new members into the life of our church.

3. Mark & Anne Osbourne: Pray for the Evangelical Church's involvement in new translation projects in South East Asia, for adequate training and resources.

DAY 42: ROMANS 14:13-15:13

DAY 42

ROMANS 14:13-15:13

How does this passage continue and add to the themes of 14:1-12?

Are there any particular verses that stand out for you? Why?

This section ends with a powerful call to praise/glorify God (v 6-13). Verse 13 would be a great prayer for you, your family and your Growth Group.

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. What things can you praise God for from this passage. Make a short list and praise Him!

2. Pray for clarity and courage for those sharing their faith with colleagues at work.

3. Pray for Dan & Rachel Djamaludin's family - pray that their children would hold fast to Jesus and walk with him.

DAY 41: ROMANS 14:1-12

DAY 41

ROMANS 14:1-12

Paul continues to explain what it means to be 'a living sacrifice' (12:1) where 'love is sincere' (12:9). What disagreements do the Roman Christians seem to be dealing with at the moment?

What does Paul tell them to do?

What theological reasons does he give?

Examine your own heart for a moment. Are there people at church you’re looking down on or judging because of some ‘disputable matter’? How do you need to change?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for the freedom we have in Christ, and thank Him for calling us to welcome one another in love, knowing that we all stand before Him, accountable to Him alone.

2. Pray for people at church who are unwell with mental or physical illness. Pray for their healing and for comfort and perseverance through suffering.

3. Pray for Steve Lister as he leads the team at UQES. Pray for wisdom and the grace he needs to serve those who work alongside him.

DAY 40: ROMANS 13:8-14

DAY 40

ROMANS 13:8-14

Verse 8 picks up the 'paying your debts' theme from verses 6 and 7. Here's one debt we can't ever pay off! Have a closer read again - why does love fulfil the law?

From verses 11-14, what should the present time mean for how we live? How are you going in these things?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for his grace in enabling us to love in a way that the law anticipated. Thank Him for waking us from spiritual sleep. Pray for help to live in the light of Christ's return, clothed in His righteousness.

2. Pray for wisdom for those coordinating various ministry teams.

3. Rev. Thang Bwee: Pray for safety and protection for Reformed Bible Institute students and staff in Myanmar.

DAY 39: ROMANS 13:1-6

DAY 39

ROMANS 13:1-6

Romans continues to flesh out what it means to offer our bodies as living sacrifices in view of God's mercies. What are we told to do in this passage?

Why?

The questions that usually come to our minds about unjust rulers don't seem to be a concern here (even though Paul would be well aware of unjust rulers). Given that we live in a pretty good country as far as the world goes, how are you going in obeying God by submitting to rulers and paying taxes?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for his mercy in that we live in place with good government. Pray that those in authority over us would fulfil God's purposes in punishing wrongdoing and commending those who do right. Pray for God's help to respect and submit to authority.

2. Pray that we would encourage others as we worship together as God's people each Lord's Day.

3. Pray for the Fraser family's language learning journey, for continued progress and understanding.