Psalm 77:1–2, 11-20 (NIV)

1 I cried out to God for help;

I cried out to God to hear me.

2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;

at night I stretched out untiring hands,

and I would not be comforted….

11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;

yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

12 I will consider all your works

and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

13 Your ways, God, are holy.

What god is as great as our God?

14 You are the God who performs miracles;

you display your power among the peoples.

15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,

the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

16 The waters saw you, God,

the waters saw you and writhed;

the very depths were convulsed.

17 The clouds poured down water,

the heavens resounded with thunder;

your arrows flashed back and forth.

18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,

your lightning lit up the world;

the earth trembled and quaked.

19 Your path led through the sea,

your way through the mighty waters,

though your footprints were not seen.

20 You led your people like a flock

by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

1. Remembering is a powerful practice of worship.

I will remember the deeds of the Lord...consider all your works.

• I cried out
• I was in distress
• I sought the Lord
• I stretched out untiring hands
• I would not be comforted
• I will remember

What story comes to your mind as “the deeds of the Lord” in your life?

How did you come to know Christ?

How has your life changed?

How does it feel to remember God’s works in your life?

2. Your story is connected to our stories and God's story.

I sought the Lord... you redeemed your people

• you redeemed your people
• descendants of Jacob and Joseph
• you led your people like a flock
• Moses and Aaron

How does your story reflect God's greater story of redemption? Exodus, wilderness, exile?

3. Our stories point to God’s greatness.

What god is as great as our God?

• the waters saw you and writhed
• the very depths were convulsed
• the heavens resounded with thunder
• your arrows flashed back and forth
• your thunder was heard in the whirlwind
• your lightning lit up the world
• the earth trembled and quaked

What quality of God power does our/your story tell? Love, grace, mercy, wisdom, kindness, faithfulness, patience, resurrection, renewal, re-creation?

PERSONALIZING THE PSALMS

In your time alone with God in scripture reflection, solitude, prayer and journaling, begin with a breath prayer like "Holy Spirit, come," or listen to a song from the playlist. This summer we are focusing on one Psalm per week. Consider using one or more of the practices to reflect on the Psalm.

• Journaling: Write out the Psalm in your journal. Make notes in the margins to amplify or clarify words. Be creative with doodling, drawing, highlighting words or phrases, collaging with cut-out words or pictures. Take your journal with you wherever you go this summer. At the end of the summer you will have a journal full of your own reflections, thoughts and prayers!
• Reading: Take time to slowly read aloud the Psalm. What words or phrases stand out to you? What questions do you have? What feelings arise in you? Which physical response seems appropriate: hands raised or open? head bowed or lifted? standing or seated?
• Memorizing: Commit to memorizing one or more verses.
• Praying: How does this Psalm inspire praise, confession, lament, gratitude, or guidance for yourself, others or the world?