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Psalm ONE HUNDRED AND THREE

 PSALMS [Praying our salvation] 

Psalm 103_ 

 
What God has done for us far exceeds anything we have done for or against God. 
The summary word for this excessive, undeserved, unexpected act by God is salvation. Prayer explores ‘the country of salvation’... rambling through the contours, smelling the flowers, hearing the birds. There is more to do than recognise the sheer fact of salvation and witness to it; there are un-numbered details of grace, of mercy, of blessing to be appreciated and savoured. 
Prayer is the means by which we do this... 

 

[Group discussion starter] Think of one of the best things that ever happened to you.  
Describe some of the details of why it was so good. 

 

Psalm 103 expresses the experience (not the doctrine) of salvation. 
This is what it feels like to be saved... 

 

[Read Psalm 103] 

 

What are your general impressions of the Psalm? 
 
 

 

Note the first and last sentences of the Psalm. 
How does this bracketing affect your understanding of the Psalm’s contents? 
 
 

 

Salvation is more richly complex than we sometimes think. In verses 3-5, what five actions of God add up to salvation?  
 
 
 

Describe how you have benefitted from one or more of God’s actions in verses 3-5. 

 
 

 
In verse 7, how did God make His ways known to Moses and Israel? 
 

 
 

What astounding statements about God does the Psalmist make in verses 8-14? 
Which ones in particular help to expand your thinking and vision of God? 

 

 
 

[Activity] Carefully observe the contrast between us (in verses 15-16) and God (in verses 17-19). Does this make you feel better or worse about yourself? 
Explain. 

 

 
 

‘Praying our salvation’ concludes by praising the saving God. 
The praise is orchestrated in verses 20-22. 
Who are the players in this hierarchy of praises? 

 

 
 

What does it mean for you to be saved? 
 

 
 

What dimensions of salvation would you like to explore further? 

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