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Psalm EIGHT

 PSALMS [Praying our creation] 

Psalm 8_ 

 
Prayer is an orienting act. We begin to discover who we are when we realise where we are. Disorientation is a terrible experience. If we can’t locate our place, we are in confusion and anxiety. We are also in danger, prone to act inappropriately.  
If we’re among enemies and don’t know it... we could miss the danger. 
If we’re among friends and don’t know it... we could miss the relationship. 

 

[Group discussion starter] Have you ever not known where you were?  
What does it feel like to be disoriented? 

 

[Read Psalm 8] 

 

Look at both the first and last sentences of the Psalm. 
What is the significance of these bracketing sentences for the Psalm even before we know its contents? 
 
 

 

[Activity] Look over the Psalm as a whole and note down every word that refers to what God has created. How do these things reveal God’s glory? 

 

 

 
 

 

How does Psalm 8 compare with the way you view yourself? 
 
 

 

In verse 2, why do you think that the Psalmist contrasts what children and infants say with what foes and avengers say? 

 

 
 

At the very heart and centre of the Psalm (verse 4) what kind of question do we find? 
What kind of answer is adequate to this question? 
What evidence do we have that God cares for us? 
 
 

 

Verse 5 talks about our position in creation. 
How does this compare with the positions we are put in by other outside voices? 
 
 

 

Verse 6 comments on our responsibility over creation. 
In what ways do you feel or not feel responsibility for your environment? 
 
 
 

 

“Ruler” and “under his feet” (verse 6) can be twisted into excuses to exploit and pillage.  
What is there in this Psalm to prevent such twisting? 
 
 

 

What adjustments do you need to make to view yourself as God views you? 

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