110410 - Yr A - Lent 5

This week we engage Psalm 130 - a heartfelt psalm of lament.

Verses & Questions

130:1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.

• What does the word "depths" mean to you?

130:2 Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!

• Does the psalmist expect God to hear his/her voice? Do you?

130:3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?
130:4 But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.

• What do these two verses suggest about God keeping score?
• What do these two verses suggest about God's nature?

130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
In Hebrew, "wait" and "hope" have the same root.

• How are waiting and hoping related in faith?

130:6 my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning.

• An enigmatic verse. What do you think it means?
• "Watch" implies watchmen, as in sentries or guards. For them what does the morning represent?

130:7 O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem.
130:8 It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Shifts from personal to corporate.

• Steadfast love is "hesed" in Hebrew - also loving-kindness -.
• If the psalmist is so certain that God will redeem, why are Christians so often worried about it?
   

Thoughts

• Is it appropriate to "complain" to God? Why/why not?

Lament is a form of speech that allows the worshipper to complain about injustice and to call on God to hear the cries of those who suffer, as did our biblical forbears. Because lament is offered to one in covenant relationship, however, lament also is praise, and a very important expression of praise at that. It gives evidence of faith worked out in the midst of hardship, hurt, and loss. (source)

• Discuss!

When I read this psalm I get an overwhelming sense of yearning, and also trust. What do you get?

This psalm explores the grey, inbetween times of life. There is angst, but also trust.

• How does this reflect your faith journey?

Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of petition because it suggests to them an interventionist god. 

• So what should we hope for or expect with our supplications?
• For what purpose do we "cry out to God"?

This is a great psalm to consider as we draw closer to Holy Week.

• Can you imagine Jesus praying this psalm?

Shalom!