CONNECT: What’s one practical way that you can express gratitude to God this week?

WARM-UP : Read Psalm 103 Together  

1. Have you ever felt taken for granted? Have you ever forgotten to thank someone for a significant act of kindness?
2. Why does being thanked feel awkward or sometimes embarrassing?  

READ Psalm 103:1-7

1. Why does David tell his soul to “Praise the Lord” or “Bless the Lord”? What are the reminders in your life that cause you to do the same?
2. How easy is it for us (you) to forget God’s benefits? What helps you to remember God’s benefits?
3. What are God’s benefits listed in this psalm? Why are they significant?
4. Does one or more of these benefits resonate with you more strongly?
5. How does remembering God’s benefits impact on how we live and work on our frontlines?

READ Psalm 103:8-13

1. How does David describe the Lord in this section?
2. How do we experience the Lord’s compassion and grace?
3. How did God fulfil verses 9-10?
4. How far does God remove our sins from us? What does this mean for you?
5. How does receiving God’s forgiveness shape our lives? 

READ Psalm 103:14-20

1. How are God and humanity described in this section? Why is the contrast so important?
2. Why can we depend on God’s throne, in contrast to our own strength and goodness?
3. How does acknowledging Jesus as sitting on the throne of our lives shape what we think and do?
4. Read the words of “Praise my soul the King of Heaven”. How does this reflect the meaning of Psalm 103? How does music help us to express our gratitude and praise?
5. Who does David call on to join his praise? Can you relate to this?

APPLY:  How can you share one of God’s benefits with someone this week?

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On Your Frontline This Week: Have you ever asked your friends, colleagues or family what they think about Jesus? Whatever their position, they are welcome to join us on Alpha Online: stbarts.com.au/alpha 

For Families: Download some of the family resources to use at home

Listen and Watch:          

• Because He’s Loving (Tim Sheppard)
• Hope from Home: Psalm 103 (Paul Young)
• Psalm 103 (Matt Sparks)
• The Language of Gratitude

Read:

• “First Things First - Who Am I” by Peter Adam
• Devotional on Psalm 103 by Don Carson
• Gratitude on the Gospel Coalition:

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