July 13 | Psalm 118 | Thanksgiving

  1. Recount a time when you felt exceedingly grateful. What was the occasion? How did you respond? What role has gratitude played in your life and spiritual development?

  2. Read Psalm 118:1-14. In the sermon, thanksgiving was defined as “celebration, attribution, and invitation.” List examples of each in these verses.

  3. Read Psalm 118:15-29. In the Psalm, thanksgiving takes the form of speaking (v2-4), singing (v15), recounting (v17), and celebrating with a sacrifice/feast (v27). Which of these forms of thanksgiving have you experienced in your own life? Which is your favorite? Do you typically think of these activities as prayer? Why or why not?

  4. Read John 12:12-16 and Acts 4:11-12. In these verses, New Testament voices point to Psalm 118 to depict the ministry of Jesus (vv25-26 and vv 22-23 respectively). Did the Psalmist write this psalm to predict the life, death and resurrection of Jesus? If not, what is the significance of the New Testament allusions to Psalm 118?

  5. Commit to practice thanksgiving this week by:

    • Speaking, singing, sacrificing or feasting with thanksgiving.

    • Recounting specific instances of God’s good deeds in your life.

    • Sharing your gratitude with someone else, inviting them to rejoice with you.

Robb EsperatComment