Songs for Summer | June 22, 2025

 

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Psalm 116

1 I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. 2 Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. 3 The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. 4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!" 5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. 6 The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. 7 Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. 8 For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; 9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. 10 I believed, even when I spoke, "I am greatly afflicted"; 11 I said in my alarm, "All mankind are liars."

12 What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, 14 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. 15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. 16 O LORD, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds. 17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. 18 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, 19 in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

Talk Sheet Questions

  1. Would you consider this Psalm generally positive or negative? Why? Is being a Christian generally positive or negative? Explain.

  2. When was one time you were sure the Lord heard you? Is an experience of answered prayer essential for loving the Lord? Why or why not?

  3. Has the Lord answered your prayers in ways that surprised you? Do you see answers to prayers that you didn’t ask for? Explain.

  4. Does God expect that you will respond when he gives you grace? If God expects a response, is it still grace, that is, a free gift? Why or why not? Do you ever have to repay God?

  5. Based on this Psalm, what advice would you give to someone who is suffering or fearful?

Prayer

Pray. That’s all. Just call out to the Lord about what stresses you.

 
 
Scott Reavely