Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Chapter 2: Psalms 18–38

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Discussion Questions

In a world where needs are rampant, Psalm 23:1 makes a bold statement: “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” What in your life seems to contradict this? What evidence is there that this is true? Have you ever felt that God has abandoned you in your hardship? What do you think of Augustine’s claim (on Psalm 34) that those who have not been heard “must not have sought the Lord himself”? John Calvin’s reflection on Psalm 20 warns about putting our confidence in anything but God. Has your or someone else’s failure ever exposed your false confidence? What did it show you about the state of your heart?

In Psalm 31, the psalmist struggles desperately. What gives him the strength to go on? How can you find this strength when you are struggling?

What has it been like for you to develop new rhythms of praying the Psalms? Has it made a difference in your life already? If not, keep at it! Change takes time.