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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Psalm 61
Preacher: Pastor Rusten Harris
Scripture: Psalm 61
MAIN POINTS: 1) The Cry of the Faint-Hearted 2) The Desire for the High Rock 3) The Provision of the Lord
In Psalm 61, David cries out to the Lord in desperation and need. David shows us what to do when we are overwhelmed by life, sin, anything! David reminds God
and himself of God’s past deliverance and protection, anchoring his faith on the promises of God.
Family Discussion Questions:
1. What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage?
2. When you are feeling faint of heart, or overwhelmed, what do you turn to for comfort?
3. What does it mean that God is our refuge?
4. How does David model prayer for us in Psalm 61?
5. In what ways do you need to grow in your prayer life?
Parent Tip:
· Read the sermon summary together as a family. Build this into your regular routine, perhaps reading together around the table during a meal.
· There are five questions, each with a different theme. You can choose one night a week to go over all five, do a couple of questions a few times a week, or discuss one question per day.
· Each question is meant to be a conversation starter- model for your children how to answer these questions by sharing your own personal insights.
· Even if your conversations don’t go as planned, don’t be discouraged. ALL time spent talking about and reading God’s word is valuable!
· The more consistent you are in having these discussions, the more fruitful they will be. As this becomes part of your weekly rhythm, your kids will anticipate the questions and listen more attentively at church.
Other Scriptures:
- 2 Samuel 12:11a
- Ephesians 2:8-9
- Philippians 2:8-11
Parent Tip:
Use these additional scriptures as daily reading. This is also a great way to help your children learn to locate passages in the Bible.
Attribute of God:
ACCESSIBLE: Because of Jesus, God’s children have unhindered access to the Father through prayer and the Holy Spirit.
Parent Tip:
We focus on a new attribute of God each week to discuss as a family. Use this time to discuss who God is, answer questions the kids
might have, and talk about what that week’s attribute means to each person in your family.
Prayer Focus:
REPENTANCE: Spend some time this week repenting of your lack of self control.
Parent Tip:
Each week of the month has its own prayer theme: Church, Family, Community, and Repentance. Use these themes to show your children how to pray. It can be helpful to add this to an already existing routine, like at bedtime or when you’re in the car together.
THIS MONTH:
On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand
On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand,
And cast a wishful eye
To Canaan’s fair and happy land,
Where my possessions lie.
All o’er those wide extended plains,
Shines one eternal day;
There God the Son forever reigns,
And scatters night away.
I am bound (I am bound) I am bound
(I am bound)
I am bound for the promised land,
I am bound (I am bound) I am bound
(I am bound)
I am bound for the promises land
No chilling winds nor poisonous breath
Can reach that healthful shore;
Sickness, sorrow, pain and death,
Are felt and feared no more.
When shall I reach that happy place,
And be forever blessed?
When shall I see my Father’s face,
And in His bosom rest?
Parent Tip:
Each month we highlight a different song for you to sing together. Singing is an integral part of worship! Singing as a family helps teach the kids how to worship at church, and as they learn more songs, they will be able to participate more on Sunday mornings. You can practice your songs in the car, at the dinner table, when you wake up, or at bedtime! You can also check out our playlist on Spotify and sing along with your favorite worship songs.
Memory Verse:
Psalm 119:1-2
“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart...”
Parent Tip:
This is the same memory verse that the whole church is learning and it rotates monthly. Practice reciting it as a family each day at least once. Dinner time is a great opportunity to practice together.
New City Catechism:
Questions 28: What happens after death to those not united to Christ by faith?
Answer: They will be cast out from the presence of God, into hell, to be justly punished, forever.
