The Psalms have been a part of individual and corporate worship and a source of spiritual growth, enrichment, consolation and encouragement since they were written many centuries ago. Traditionally David is credited as their author but many biblical scholars feel that there are many authors. You can find many sources for background on the Psalms with the following taken from Introducing the Psalms by Dennis Bratcher:
The psalms were used by the Israelites in the context of worship to provide a structure in which they could bring their praises, thanks, hurts and grief honestly and openly before God. The Psalms were not thundered from Sinai or received in a vision. They are the prayers and praises of God's people preserved by the community of faith. As such, they have become authoritative for us: a guide for worship, an example of honesty before God, and a demonstration of the importance of prayer and meditation.
The Psalms serve as a valuable example for us of both the need and value of expressing heartfelt feelings to our God. This is an important component of a healthy and vibrant spiritual life. One of the many of the psalmist’s themes is praise of God. Today’s example is Psalm 98 which speaks to the many blessings God has showered upon the people of Israel. We will use it a inspiration for writing our own praise psalm. There is a worksheet at the end of this discussion guide that can be used to structure your work.
For the purposes of our work today Psalm 98 is divided into three parts: How God has blessed Israel (why God should be praised), the way in which the psalmist wishes God to be praised, and what God has in store for Israel.
Blessings 1 Sing to God a brand-new song. He's made a world of wonders! He rolled up his sleeves,
He set things right.
2 God made history with salvation, He showed the world what he could do.
3 He remembered to love us, a bonus. To his dear family, Israel—indefatigable love. The whole earth comes to attention. Look—God's work of salvation! Praise 4 Shout your praises to God, everybody! Let loose and sing! Strike up the band!
5 Round up an orchestra to play for God, Add on a hundred-voice choir.
6 Feature trumpets and big trombones, Fill the air with praises to King God.
7 Let the sea and its fish give a round of applause, With everything living on earth joining
in.
8 Let ocean breakers call out, "Encore!" And mountains harmonize the finale— What is Coming 9 A tribute to God when he comes, When he comes to set the earth right. He'll straighten
out the whole world, He'll put the world right, and everyone in it.
Blessings
• The writer begins with a reminder to the Israelites of the God’s faithfulness to the covenant he made to them through Abraham. What are some specific events you can think of that are evidence of God’s faithfulness to them? Have these blessings from God been noticed by others?
• Write down the writer’s reflections on blessings to Israel in the praise psalm. You may use the worksheet at the end of this discussion guide as a format for your work.
• God has been present in creation, past history and our lives today. What comes to your mind as some of the more important of these blessings including your personal blessings? Write down your thoughts on the worksheet.
Praise • The writer begins the psalm by urging us to sing a “brand-new song” of praise, what does that mean to you?
• What is the purpose of praise for God? Do you think that God expects or requires praise? What are the benefits of praising and who needs/receives the biggest blessings from praising?
• Write down what you see as the methods the psalmist is calling for on the praise psalm worksheet.
• What emotion do you see behind the psalmist’s wishes for Israel’s praise of God? Who does he hope becomes involved with the people in this praise?
• How can we go about praising God as individuals, a congregation, and a world? Are there ways to praise God that don’t involve music and singing? The prophet Micah suggests:
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
• Write down your ideas for appropriate praise of God on the worksheet
What is Coming • The writer joyfully finishes with the future blessings of God. What is their scope, who will be involved, is it beyond the nation of Israel? Write down you understanding of these blessings on the worksheet?
• What are God’s promises that you joyfully anticipate for yourself, those you love, our congregation and all of creation. Try and narrow them down to the most important and list them on the worksheet.
Closing Litany From Psalm 96
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
Amen
Worksheet for composing a psalm of Praise
Take all of the ideas you have written down and try to assemble them as a poem, narrative, bullet points or in any other way that communicates your feelings about praising God. Some begin their prayers and meditations with some time for praise of God. You might want to used your personal psalm in this way. Reflect on your feelings as you complete your work.
Praise -How has God blessed me, us and all creation
What does the writer of Psalm 98 include as reasons to praise God:
What are the things you would include as reasons to praise God:
How would you express them in psalm of praise:
Praise - How should God be praised?
What means of praise does writer of Psalm 98 called for:
What would you call for as praise for God:
How would you express them in psalm of praise:
What is Coming:
What is the psalmist conviction that God has in store for us:
What do you expect to happen as a result of God’s grace and love for us:
How would you express them in psalm of praise:
What do you expect to happen as a result of God’s grace and love for us:
How would you express them in psalm of praise:
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