(Artarmon Uniting Home Fellowship in May 1988)
1. Read Psalm 103 (say two verses each) with as much conviction as possible.
2. What to you think the situation was when this psalm was read for the very first time?
- How many people were there?
- Was it read by David? Sung by a choir?
- Inside or outside? How old was David?
- Imagine you were there. What did it feel like? What colours were around?
3. Outline: the psalm starts and ends with a bold declaration of praise; the middle section is a justification of praise (a list of reasons why God should be praised).
- In non-religious terms, what is praise? Giving recognition to someone’s achievements or character. It may be directly complimenting the person or telling others about the person.
- Should praise of God be anything different?
4. While imagining that you are among the first hearers of this psalm, write down you first reactions (feelings, not theological deductions) as I read some verses: 10, 14, 11, 13, 6, 19. Ask people to mention some of the thoughts they wrote down.
5. Using the thoughts sparked off by this psalm, write down the most significant things which lead you to praise God. Which verses are most special to you?
6. Maybe share some of these, and finish with some prayers of praise.