Lenten Reading March 6, 2016

Reading Guide for Lent

On Sunday we will only read a Psalm and use the reflection questions to help process the passage.

The 4^th Sunday in Lent

Sunday March 6,2016

Psalm Reading:  Psalm 5

For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.

¹Listen to my words, Lord,

consider my lament.

²Hear my cry for help,

my King and my God,

for to you I pray.

³In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you

and wait expectantly.

⁴For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;

with you, evil people are not welcome.

⁵The arrogant cannot stand

in your presence.

You hate all who do wrong;

⁶     you destroy those who tell lies.

The bloodthirsty and deceitful

you, Lord, detest.

⁷But I, by your great love,

can come into your house;

in reverence I bow down

toward your holy temple.

⁸Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness

because of my enemies—

make your way straight before me.

⁹Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;

their heart is filled with malice.

Their throat is an open grave;

with their tongues they tell lies.

¹⁰Declare them guilty, O God!

Let their intrigues be their downfall.

Banish them for their many sins,

for they have rebelled against you.

¹¹But let all who take refuge in you be glad;

let them ever sing for joy.

Spread your protection over them,

that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

¹²Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;

you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

The Holy Bible : Today's New International Version. 2005. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Reflection Questions:

1. List the characteristics of the righteous and the wicked in this passage.
2. What is David’s (the writer of this Psalm) plan for dealing with the oppression he is feeling?
3. What kind of lesson is that for us?
4. Take some time to pray for the hard situations in your life.