THE BOOK OF PSALMS
SUMMER EXTENSION STUDY
Week 1: Psalm 136
(Refer back to Lesson 2 | Psalm 19)
Memory Verse: “Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.” Psalm 142:5
Over these six weeks, we’ll commit this verse to memory. As we read and memorize God’s Word, it moves from our minds into our hearts. Remembering that the Lord is our refuge, and declaring that He is all we really want in life helps guide our thoughts and decisions each day, drawing us back to His good, pleasing and perfect will for our lives.
Powerful Truth: God’s love never fails, no matter what season we’re in; His faithfulness continues again and again throughout our lives.
Discussion Starters:
• Where have you personally seen God’s faithful love show up in your life recently?
• The Psalm recounts many ways God has acted throughout history. Looking back over your own story, what is one moment where you can clearly see God’s hand at work?
Application: Give thanks to the Lord in every circumstance this week, especially when it seems challenging or hard to do so. If we have breath in our lungs, we have reason to be thankful!
Week 2: Psalm 121
(Refer back to Lesson 4 | Psalm 23)
Memory Verse: “Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.” Psalm 142:5
Powerful Truth: Our help comes from the Lord, the Creator who never sleeps, always watches over us and faithfully protects our lives.
Discussion Starters:
• When have you experienced God helping or sustaining you during a difficult season?
• How does knowing that God is always watching over your life change the way you face worries or challenges?
Application: Declare this truth over your life this week in moments of need and moments of joy! Remind yourself that God sees you and is always with you.
Week 3: Psalm 20
(Refer back to Lesson 7 | Psalm 91)
Memory Verse: “Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.” Psalm 142:5
Powerful Truth: True victory doesn’t come from our own strength or resources, but from trusting in the name and power of The Lord.
Discussion Starters:
• What are some things people today tend to rely on instead of trusting God?
• Think about a time when you prayed for help or victory in a situation. How did you see God respond or work through that circumstance?
Application: Take time this week to write down a time in your life when the Lord answered your prayer and gave you victory, so you can refer back to and reflect on it.
Week 4: Psalm 103
(Refer back to Lesson 3 | Psalms 51 & 139 and Lesson 5 | Psalm 34)
Memory Verse: “Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.” Psalm 142:5
Powerful Truth: God is full of compassion and mercy; He forgives our sins, heals our lives and loves us with a grace that never runs out.
Discussion Starters:
• Do you truly believe God has forgiven your sins completely, and how can you replace the lie that your sin is too big with the truth that you are forgiven, redeemed and loved?
• Revisit Lesson 5 (page 25) on what it means to fear the Lord. How do the promises of God in this Psalm move you to fear Him more?
Application: Read Psalm 103 each day, taking time to reflect on the depth of God’s grace and mercy in your life. As you meditate on it, allow it to remind you of His faithfulness and stir gratitude and praise in your heart.
Week 5: Psalm 13
(Refer back to Lesson 8 | Psalm 27)
Memory Verse: “Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.” Psalm 142:5
Powerful Truth: Even when we feel forgotten or overwhelmed, we can choose to trust in God’s unfailing love and praise Him for His faithfulness.
Discussion Starters:
• Do you ever feel hesitant to ask God “how long,” and do you believe He is kind and strong enough to handle your honest emotions?
• How are you intentionally spending time with God and allowing His Word to renew your mind and shape your heart?
Application: Make it a priority every day this week to be with Jesus. As you do, your confidence in who God is will deepen, and you will say without hesitation, in every situation, “But I trust in your unfailing love.”
Week 6: Psalm 150
(Refer back to Lesson 9 | Psalm 100)
Memory Verse: “Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.” Psalm 142:5
Powerful Truth: Everything that has breath was created to praise the Lord, our lives are meant to reflect His greatness and glory.
Discussion Starters:
• When you think of praise and worship, do you mostly associate it with singing at church or do you see it as something that can be expressed throughout your everyday life?
• What might it look like for you to praise God beyond music? How could worship show up in your everyday actions, words, attitudes and obedience?
Application: Praise and worship stem from an inward devotion and trust in the Lord and are reflected outwardly in our actions. Identify one practical way you can express praise to God in your everyday life (through your words, actions or obedience) and commit to living it out this week.