Immutable in Love

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

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants answer, “Notice the psalmist starts with gratitude (Psalm 138:1). What, if anything, do you have to be grateful for this week?”

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read Psalm 138.

• What has the psalmist chosen to focus upon in gratitude? Working together, make a list of some of the things for which the psalmist is grateful.
• This psalm is traditionally attributed to Kind David. Can you think of any troubles a ruler at that time might have had? How about a leader of today?
• The Preaching Notes for today mention that the guiding rhythm of the song or story being sung is God’s steadfast love. Think back on your own life. As you observe the highs and lows, where can you notice a rhythm of steadfast love behind it all? What did that love look like in your life and why did (or didn’t) this come to mind today?
• The psalmist seems to have a last moment of hesitation or doubt in the last line. Why do you think this last line (Psalm 138:8b) was added instead of just closing with the theme of steadfast love? Does this line challenge in any way your understanding of what it means to worship God well? If so, how? If not, why not?
• The psalmist sets as a goal of thanking God with his “whole heart” (Psalm 138:1a). Assuming this is possible, can you write down (or think of) one way that you will intentionally open your whole heart this week (e.g., a moment of service at your church, time singing at an instrument, visiting someone lonely, a sunset walk, knitting a gift)? If you are ready (and comfortable), ask for accountability for this action this week.

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

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End with the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer:

God, the source of our soul-strength, we thank you today for ----------- (Each person can offer a one-word gratitude here if desired.) Gather our gratitude; may the rhythm of your steadfast love be more and more apparent to us each day. You are the God who loves us ridiculously, consistently, and fervently. Let that steadfast love move us to love others. Amen.

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Rev. Manohar Joshi is the author of the best-selling book The Resilient Parent: Everyday Wisdom for Life with your Exceptional Child and senior pastor of Walnut Creek United Methodist Church in California. Manohar (aka Mantu) brings his experiences as a stay-at-home dad, sports coach and referee, creative writer, university teacher, and minister in the trenches together in ways to help you find your fresh connections with the Divine.