Psalm 25 (JICC)
Sermon Notes
Key Passage: Psalm 25
Summary of Praying the Bible—by Donald Whitney
*Book and audio book available on Hoopla App through the Charleston County Library
Big idea:
Prayer often becomes repetitive, distracted, and thin because we keep saying the same things about the same concerns. Whitney’s remedy is simple: let Scripture supply the words, themes, and direction for your prayers. Pray through a passage, especially a Psalm, turning its words into your own conversation with God.
The core method
1. Open the Bible—usually to a Psalm.
The Psalms are the best starting place because they were written as God-given songs and prayers and express the whole emotional range of life: praise, fear, confession, grief, trust, anger, hope, and joy.
2. Read one verse or phrase slowly.
3. Pause and pray whatever that verse brings to mind.
Use the verse’s language and theme, but speak naturally:
You are not required to extract something profound from every phrase. Pray what arises; then continue. The passage becomes the track that keeps your mind from wandering.
5. Stop when your time is up.
Finishing the Psalm is optional. The goal is communion with God, not completing an assignment.
Example: Psalm 23:1 “The LORD is my shepherd…”
Simple daily Psalms rhythm
Whitney recommends using the date to select five Psalms, spaced thirty Psalms apart, then quickly scanning them and choosing the one that most leads you to prayer that day. For the 19th day of the month, scan: Psalm 19, 49, 79, 109, 139
Summary of Praying the Bible—by Donald Whitney
*Book and audio book available on Hoopla App through the Charleston County Library
Big idea:
Prayer often becomes repetitive, distracted, and thin because we keep saying the same things about the same concerns. Whitney’s remedy is simple: let Scripture supply the words, themes, and direction for your prayers. Pray through a passage, especially a Psalm, turning its words into your own conversation with God.
The core method
1. Open the Bible—usually to a Psalm.
The Psalms are the best starting place because they were written as God-given songs and prayers and express the whole emotional range of life: praise, fear, confession, grief, trust, anger, hope, and joy.
2. Read one verse or phrase slowly.
3. Pause and pray whatever that verse brings to mind.
Use the verse’s language and theme, but speak naturally:
- praise God for what the verse reveals about him;
- confess where your life contradicts it;
- thank him for his gifts;
- ask for help;
- pray it over your family, church, neighbors, or a specific situation.
You are not required to extract something profound from every phrase. Pray what arises; then continue. The passage becomes the track that keeps your mind from wandering.
5. Stop when your time is up.
Finishing the Psalm is optional. The goal is communion with God, not completing an assignment.
Example: Psalm 23:1 “The LORD is my shepherd…”
- “Lord, thank you that I am not left to lead myself.”
- “Shepherd me in this decision I need to make.”
- “Shepherd and guide me, our children, our friends, and our church.”
- “Forgive me for acting as though I must control everything.”
- “Make our church a people who recognize and follow your voice.”
Simple daily Psalms rhythm
Whitney recommends using the date to select five Psalms, spaced thirty Psalms apart, then quickly scanning them and choosing the one that most leads you to prayer that day. For the 19th day of the month, scan: Psalm 19, 49, 79, 109, 139
Resources
Resources:
Other Psalms that deal with sin/guilt: Psalm 32, 51
Other Psalms that deal with loneliness: Psalm 142, 69
“Praying the Bible” by Donald Whitney. Available for free through the Hoopla App and the Charleston County Library.
“Let the Psalms Teach You to Pray” A Gospel Coalition teaching by Tim Keller. This is a helpful general summary and charge to support this series.
Book referenced in the sermon:
The Toxic War on Masculinity by Nancy Pearcey.
Study referenced found on p. 208
Other Psalms that deal with sin/guilt: Psalm 32, 51
Other Psalms that deal with loneliness: Psalm 142, 69
“Praying the Bible” by Donald Whitney. Available for free through the Hoopla App and the Charleston County Library.
“Let the Psalms Teach You to Pray” A Gospel Coalition teaching by Tim Keller. This is a helpful general summary and charge to support this series.
Book referenced in the sermon:
The Toxic War on Masculinity by Nancy Pearcey.
Study referenced found on p. 208
Weekly Reading
Monday: Acts 3
Tuesday: Numbers 16, Acts 4
Wednesday: Numbers 17
Thursday: Numbers 18, Acts 5
Friday: Acts 6
Saturday: Psalm 73-74, Proverbs 16
Sunday: Nehemiah 5-13
Tuesday: Numbers 16, Acts 4
Wednesday: Numbers 17
Thursday: Numbers 18, Acts 5
Friday: Acts 6
Saturday: Psalm 73-74, Proverbs 16
Sunday: Nehemiah 5-13
Discussion Questions
3DQ - 3 discipleship questions to ask each other: What is God saying to you? What are you going to do about it? How can I help?
For discussion around table and home groups:
Instead of discussion, use the time to pray.
Use the example from Don Whitney on the opposite page and walk through that model in collective prayer. After you finish, make observations together about what you learned.
For discussion around table and home groups:
Instead of discussion, use the time to pray.
Use the example from Don Whitney on the opposite page and walk through that model in collective prayer. After you finish, make observations together about what you learned.
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