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Psalm TWO

 PSALMS [Praying our intimidation] 

Psalm 2_ 

 
From the second we wake up, news headlines are bombarding us with things like violence and war and guns and arrogance and greed. Whether through the news on TV, radio and newspapers, or through social media. It can feel overwhelming and eave us wondering what we can do about any of it. What use even is prayer?! 

 
 
[Group discussion starter] Think about some of the news headlines you have come into contact with recently. Maybe even pull up some news headlines on your phone. 
What events in the world are particularly troubling to you and why? 

 

Like Psalm 1, Psalm 2 is a pre-prayer. It is an act of orientation that prepares us to pray. This Psalm prepares us to pray in political, as well as personal, ways. God is just as much at work in the public sphere as God is in the personal sphere, and our prayers are just as needed there as in our personal lives. 

As what is referred to as ‘a royal Psalm’ Psalm 2 was traditionally read/sang/prayed at the coronation of a king. How might this be poignant to us? 

 

[Read Psalm 2] 

 

What obvious nouns and verbs used throughout the Psalm suggest the political orientation of this Psalm? 

 

 

Do you feel as responsible to pray for the nation, society and culture as you do for yourself, family, friends and church? 
Explain. 

 

 

Compare the first verse of Psalm 1 to the last verse of Psalm 2. 
What do we learn from these two blesseds? 

 

Meditates in Psalm 1:2 and plot in Psalm 2:1 are the same word in Hebrew. 
How is the word used differently in the two passages? 

 

 

How does the Lord view ‘the vaunted power of nations’ (in verses 4-6)? 
How does this compare/contrast to your own attitude as you consume the news? 
Explain. 

 

 

“Anointed one” in verse 2 is Messiah in Hebrew, Christ in Greek. 
What in this Psalm reminds you of Jesus? 

 

 

In previous history, it has been traditional for Christians to pray this Psalm on Easter Sunday. What in this Psalm especially suits it for that occasion? 

 

 

The Psalm begins and ends with references to kings and rulers (verses 2-3, 10-12). 
How do they relate to the King enthroned by the Lord (verse 6)? 

 

What impact does this have on the way we pray?  

 

 
It feels easier to pray for personal needs rather than political situations. But Psalm 2 is entirely political. Knowing this, what responsibility do we have, as citizens of a particular country, living in Christ’s Kingdom? 

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