Lent with Jesus, Week 3: March 13/14, 2022
Lesson
Psalm 38 Responsive Reading Text
Additional Resources
Confession and Self-Examination Guide (Posted for Week 2)
Weekly Lenten Prayers (Collects) (Posted for Week 2)
Overview (Posted for Week 1)
Chapter: Psalm 38
Prepared for Psalms Group, March 21, 2021
Psalm 38 is an individual lament included as one of the 7 penitential psalms (6, 32, 51,102, 130 and 143). Its superscription states in Hebrew: “A David of psalm, to bring to mind.” This Hebrew infinitive lehazkir , “to bring to mind,” also appears in the superscription to Psalm 70, a psalm that is replicated in Psalm 40:14-18. (Alter, Psalms, 134)
Toni’s Title
A Prayer for Reconciliation
ESV Title
Do Not Forsake Me, O LORD
Literary Type
This is a an individual lament, a penitential psalm.
Laments
More than 1/3 of the Psalms fall into the category of complaints to God in situations of limitation or threat. These laments were a form of prayer and praise based on the conviction that God is concerned about people and answers the human cry in ways surpassing human expectation or understanding. Israel’s laments out of distress were a way of praising God even when he seemed absent. The faith of the psalmists is founded on the good news that God intervenes in desperate situations to help those who are distressed. The psalmists share a deep confidence that God is compassionate, concerned, hearing his people and involved with them; God is faithful and trustworthy. A lament is an outcry to God from a responsive heart. Laments came from individuals or from the community.
Examples: Psalms 3-5, 22, 27:7-14, 42, 51, 69, 90, 130, 137 and many others
NT Prayer Guide
Ro. 6:15-23