Psalms of Ascent Small Group Guides
Starting in January, 2023, our small groups will work through the following lessons to guide them through Psalms 124-129.
These Psalms are a part of a section of songs knows as The Psalms of Ascent. This is a special collection of fifteen Psalms, 120-134, also known as Pilgrim Psalms. They were used as a soundtrack for the Jewish people going on spiritual pilgrimage. Families would travel to Jerusalem for the three Jewish festivals: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, and sing these songs on their journey. These songs were used as a preparation for worship as Jewish Pilgrims made their way to the temple during these festivals. This collection is also called Songs of the Steps because there are 15 “steps” heading into the temple. The priest and pilgrim worshipers would sing a song at each step, so of these fifteen psalms would be sung as they ascended to the temple.
Each week groups will gather to meditate on the psalm, discuss the Sunday sermon, and dive deeper into that week's psalm. Groups will also use excerpts from Eugene Peterson's A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, Timothy Keller's Songs or Jesus, and music by Poor Bishop Hooper.
These Psalms are a part of a section of songs knows as The Psalms of Ascent. This is a special collection of fifteen Psalms, 120-134, also known as Pilgrim Psalms. They were used as a soundtrack for the Jewish people going on spiritual pilgrimage. Families would travel to Jerusalem for the three Jewish festivals: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, and sing these songs on their journey. These songs were used as a preparation for worship as Jewish Pilgrims made their way to the temple during these festivals. This collection is also called Songs of the Steps because there are 15 “steps” heading into the temple. The priest and pilgrim worshipers would sing a song at each step, so of these fifteen psalms would be sung as they ascended to the temple.
Each week groups will gather to meditate on the psalm, discuss the Sunday sermon, and dive deeper into that week's psalm. Groups will also use excerpts from Eugene Peterson's A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, Timothy Keller's Songs or Jesus, and music by Poor Bishop Hooper.
Psalm 124: A Song of Help
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Psalm 125: A Song of Trust
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Psalm 126: A Song of Witness
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Psalm 127: A Song of Meaning
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Psalm 128: A Song of Blessing

psalm_128_a_song_of_blessing.pdf | |
File Size: | 941 kb |
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Psalm 129: A Song of Endurance

psalm_129_a_song_of_endurance.pdf | |
File Size: | 1466 kb |
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