Welcome to Week 31
We have spent thirty weeks following the story of God’s plan for his people to live in his kingdom, under his rule and blessing, with all its ups and downs. The restoration of God’s kingdom is not yet complete, but the spark of hope remains that one day it will be fulfilled, just as he promised. This week we will step out of the historical narrative and into the book of the Psalms. If we were to pick up the book of Psalms and divide each chapter out into the historical narrative of the Bible we would see that though it is not laid out chronologically, it fits into the Old Testament narrative. It was being written right along with the history of Israel. The Psalms are poetry and read differently than the Old Testament narrative, law, or prophecies. They are the hymns, or songs of praise, of the Bible that include many different authors and are organized into five different themes, called books. These themes cover sin and lament, judgment, redemption, thanksgiving, and praise. As we read the Psalms, we are immersed into the emotions of those ups and downs throughout Israel’s history. It is a beautiful reminder of just how incredible God is. It renews our hope for his restored kingdom that will one day be fulfilled, just as he designed it to be.
Theme
The Psalms remind our hearts the truth of who God is and what he has done.
Memory Verse: Psalm 8:1
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
Catechism #31
What do we believe by true faith?
Everything taught to us in the gospel. The Apostles’ Creed expresses what we believe in these words: We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
*Use the bold text for younger children
Providence Prayer Focus
Use this guide to focus on praying for one category each day:
Monday: Family – Pray for the specific needs of your family and those closest to you.
Tuesday: Friends – Pray for the specific needs of your friends and neighbors.
Wednesday: Providence Church Staff – Samantha Andrade – Associate Director of Prov Kids
Thursday: Local Church – The Trails Church, Pastor Matt Boswell
Friday: Local School – Cobb Middle School
Saturday: Missions Partner – Mark and Amanda
Sunday: Global – Unreached People Group – Chackaravar (India)