Psummer in the Psalms
The Psalms are one of the most read, sung, and referenced books in all of the scriptures. The Psalms are a diverse book or poetry and prayers as people respond to God as they travel on their journey through life. This summer we will dive into the Psalms as we Read, Reflect and Respond to various Psalms each Sunday. Join us on this journey as we spend the Psummer in the Psalms.
Week 8: Psalm 86
As we read, reflect and respond on Psalm 86 there is an authenticity to this psalm of lament. As a prayer David, the writer wrestles with the deep struggle of his circumstances and God’s ability to change it while acknowledging God’s faithfulness in the past and His presence in the now and future.
DISCUSSION/REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
- What is your favorite summer job or summer camp memory growing up?
- READ: Psalm 86. Spend some time SOAPing this passage. You can either spend time SOAPing individually and documenting for a several minutes and then spend time sharing with each -OR- SOAP in real time with each other. Either way make as many observations as you can.
- OBSERVATIONS: What stands out to you from Psalm 86? What are your observations?
- How do you typically pray (or not pray) when you are under pressure and affliction reflected in Psalm 86?
- How does the psalmist’s prayer encourage or challenge you?
- How would you summarize this passage in one sentence?
- What does this passage tell me about who God is?
- What does this passage tell me about who I am?
- What is most challenging to you about this psalm? Why?
- The model for prayer laid out in Psalm 86 is plea, praise, and petition.
- How is this prayer similar or different from how you pray or from how you were taught to pray?
- Read John 16:33 and Mark 9:17-24
- How does Jesus’ promise in John 16:33 connect with Psalm 86.
- Read Psalm 86:11
- Mark stated that the purpose of Psalm 86 is stated in v.11: “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” What is does it mean to you to have an undivided heart?
- What helps us grow in having a more undivided heart toward God?
- What else stood out from this week’s sermon?
- APPLICATION: What is your big takeaway from this week’s sermon? Be specific.
NEXT STEPS: Everyone has a next step to apply what we’ve learned. What’s your next step? Be specific.
MEMORY VERSE: Challenge yourself or your group to commit this verse to memory:
Psalm 86:11 “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.”
PRAYER: Encourage your group to pray this prayer often in 2026 & use to close your group time.
A 2026 Prayer for MORE based onEphesians 3:14-21 “Heavenly Father, Help me to engage with you MORE. Work in me to make me MORE like you. Use me to help MORE people know you. Make my story about your glory! Amen.”
Scripture References:
Psalm 86, John 16:33, Mark 9:17-24