Between Pain and Promise (Study Guide)


“Between Pain and Promise”

Sermon Study Guide for November 5, 2023


Downloadable Version


Scripture: Psalm 77:1-12


1. A Prayer in Pain


Psalms, Job, Lamentations…


Jesus…



2. To Lament is Christian

“the ______________ cry of a ______________

heart”


in the gap between __________ and _____________


two questions…


“turn”


Psalm 77:11-12

1 Corinthians 13:12-13

Proverbs 3:5-6

Romans 8:36-39


“truth with tears"





Questions to Discuss or Ponder:

  1. Have you ever prayed or written a lament for a difficult time in your life? Why not try it?
  2. Why do we need prayers of lament? Why are there so many such prayers in the Scriptures?
  3. In what way is lament a Christian prayer? How is it an act of faith?
  4. What other ways do people try to numb the pain in life? How is lament a better solution/answer?
  5. What role does memory play in lament? What promises of God’s goodness do you call to mind in difficult times?
  6. What connection is there between lament and the practice of holy communion?


Scripture for the Week:

Monday - Psalm 79

Tuesday - Psalm 80

Wednesday - Psalm 85

Thursday - Psalm 86

Friday - Psalm 3

Saturday - Psalm 10


In response to this Scripture, how will you live?




Prayer Prompt: Practice writing your own lament.

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