Guardian of the Soul

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). Separate participants into pairs or groups of three and have them share their responses to the question, “What comes to mind when you hear Psalm 23? Are there any verses that are especially meaningful to you?”

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read Psalm 23 & 1 Peter 2:19-25.

• When you read Psalm 23, who do you imagine is saying it— young David as he shepherded his flocks; King David as he reflected on the past; or someone who thought about King David as a shepherd?
• Who do you think is the shepherd and guardian of the soul? (1 Peter 2:25) Do you find this image of Jesus comforting? Why or why not? [Jesus]
• “More of us have felt that guardian through the words and actions of the community that surrounds us.” (From this week’s Preaching Note.) Has this been true for you? Why or why not?
• “If you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval” (v. 20).
• What reaction do you have when you read this? Have you had an experience like this? What does this say about the role of suffering in the Christian life? Does the Christian life always look like being “blessed”?
• How have we all strayed like sheep (v. 25)? [Trusting in our own abilities or finding comfort in things that do not provide eternal joy.] How exactly have we returned to the guardian of our souls (v. 25)? [We return through repentance, trust, faith, and obedience.]
• Read 1 Peter 2:25 “For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls,” and Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long.” Knowing God’s blessings are all around us and often the guardian (Jesus) uses us to reach out to others to bless them and share about Jesus, what are you going to do today and/or this week to be a blessing?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End by reading/praying Psalm 23 together or a similar prayer:

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff-- they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long. Amen.