Why do the nations conspire,
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
“Let us burst their bonds asunder,
and cast their cords from us.”
He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord has them in derision.
Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
“I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”
I will tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have begotten you.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron,
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear,
with trembling
kiss his feet,
or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way;
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are all who take refuge in him.
Questions
1. Before you read each day, pray to God and invite God to be present in your study and reflection. What is God showing you today in the psalms? Is there a specific verse or word that stands out to you? How will you carry this through your day in thought, word, and action?
2. What are ideas and themes that appear in the “introduction” to the Book of Psalms (Psalms 1 and 2)? Write these down. As we read in the coming weeks, take note of when they appear in other psalms and categories.
3. As you begin your Lenten devotional, try different ways of reading that will make it easy to reserve time for daily exercise. Try reading the devotional at different times of day to see what you enjoy and works in your life. You can read the psalm out loud, silently, or listen to an audio version. Invite a friend or family member to read with you and discuss what it says to you. You can use these throughout Lent.
4. When we read scripture that is very familiar to us, there is a temptation to glance at it or read it quickly. Take extra time to read these psalms and their words to us today. Try reading the psalm in a different translation or read it out loud to yourself.