The Playlist of Faith - A Series on Psalms - Psalms of Repentance

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Psalms Of Repentance

The "Repentance Psalms," also known as the Penitential Psalms, are traditionally identified as Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143. They are prayers expressing sorrow for sin, confession, and an appeal for God's mercy and forgiveness.

General Questions on the Repentance Psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143)

1. Themes of Repentance: What is the primary focus of the Psalmist's plea in these Psalms?

2. The Nature of God: 

   • What attributes of God  does the Psalmist appeal to when asking for forgiveness?

   • How does the Psalmist's view of God inform their repentance?

3. The Nature of Sin: 

   • What different words are used to describe sin in the Psalms?

   • What does the use of these different terms teach us about the depth and seriousness of sin?

4. Consequences of Sin: 

   • How does the Psalmist describe the physical, emotional, or spiritual toll of unconfessed sin? (See especially Psalm 32:3-4 and Psalm 38:3-8).

   • Have you ever experienced a similar "heavy hand" or internal distress due to unconfessed sin?

5. Restoration and Joy: 

   • After confessing sin and asking for forgiveness, what does the Psalmist ask for next?

   • What does this tell you about the goal of repentance?

Psalm 51: A Prayer for Cleansing and Renewal

1. The Context Psalm 51 is titled "A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba."

   • How does knowing the context of David's sin (adultery and murder in 2 Samuel 11-12) affect your reading of this prayer?

2. Against God Only (v. 4): David says, "Against you, you only, have I sinned."

   • Since his sin clearly harmed Bathsheba, Uriah, and the nation, what do you think David means by saying he sinned "against God, and you only"?

3. A Clean Heart (v. 10): 

   • What does David mean when he asks God to "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me"?

   • Why is creation and renewal necessary, rather than just forgiveness?

4. The Sacrifices of God (v. 16-17): David states that God does not delight in sacrifice, but in "a broken and contrite heart."

   • What is a "broken and contrite heart," and how does it compare to the ritual sacrifices of the Old Testament?

5. The Vow to Teach (v. 13):

   • After seeking restoration, David promises, "Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you."

   • How does God's forgiveness motivate and equip us to help others?

Application Questions

1. Modelling Repentance: What specific steps or attitudes in these Psalms can you use as a model for your own times of confession and repentance?

2. Believing Forgiveness: 

   • Do you ever struggle to believe that God's forgiveness is complete and total?

   • Which verses from the Repentance Psalms help you find assurance of God's complete cleansing?

3. Hiding vs. Confessing: 

   • When you sin, is your first instinct to hide or to confess?

   • How can studying these Psalms encourage you to immediately run to God in honest confession?

4. Longing for Holiness: Which of the Psalmist's requests for restoration (e.g., "clean heart," "steadfast spirit," "joy of salvation") do you long for most right now, and why?