Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. But because we are reading about King David right now, our text for today is Psalm 32, one of the penitential psalms that David wrote as a way of confessing to God. So I was not sure what to say that would bridge Palm Sunday and Psalm 32. What could I say? What should I say? So I decided to say very little, instead choosing to let God speak to you more directly through His Word and through the service today. I decided to let Jesus’ actions speak to you today… to even let your actions speak to you today. So for this one week, let’s not talk about it, you and I.. let’s let God do most of the talking.
For Adult Homes and Groups
Read Psalm 32 (below) at a normal pace. Read the Psalm again, this time much more slowly, focusing on words and lines that speak to you. Then, read the text a third time, this time backwards, beginning with the last line. Discuss what you noticed about Psalm 32… its movement, what it is intended to communicate, and what it spoke to you.
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
I acknowledged my sin to You, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to You at a time when You may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. You are a hiding place for me; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.
Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
For Families with Kids
Memory Verse: Psalm 51:10 - Read it, talk about it, and learn it!
1. David made choices, both good and bad. God forgave him, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t consequences. Can you think of any consequences you’ve faced after doing something wrong? Does God forgive you for those things?
2. Pray the Lord’s Prayer. Help younger kids learn it.