Session 5: Praying Through Darkness and Despair
Psalm 42/43
Preparation Resources
After taking a short break last week, we resume this weeks with Psalms 42 and 43 (which were originally a single Psalm). In addition to reading (and meditating over) Psalms 42 and 43, you may enjoy Tim Keller's sermon Finding God
Discussion Topics
1) Considering Psalms 42 and 43 as a single song, what is its structure? Do you see the verses and the chorus?
2) Based on the text, what is the context in which it appears to be written? What has the author experienced? Have you ever had a similar experience?
3) How would you characterize the author's mental state? What steps has he taken to try to improve that state?
4) What appears to have caused this condition in the author?
5) What are possible factors that can cause this state of spiritual dryness and emptiness?
6) What are possible cures for this condition?
7) Do you think this Psalm may have been on the mind of Jesus in Gethsemane?
After taking a short break last week, we resume this weeks with Psalms 42 and 43 (which were originally a single Psalm). In addition to reading (and meditating over) Psalms 42 and 43, you may enjoy Tim Keller's sermon Finding God
Discussion Topics
1) Considering Psalms 42 and 43 as a single song, what is its structure? Do you see the verses and the chorus?
2) Based on the text, what is the context in which it appears to be written? What has the author experienced? Have you ever had a similar experience?
3) How would you characterize the author's mental state? What steps has he taken to try to improve that state?
4) What appears to have caused this condition in the author?
5) What are possible factors that can cause this state of spiritual dryness and emptiness?
6) What are possible cures for this condition?
7) Do you think this Psalm may have been on the mind of Jesus in Gethsemane?