The Psalms of Ascent Week 1 with Raechel and Amanda
Digest
This episode of the She Reads Truth podcast introduces a three-week study of the Psalms of Ascent, exploring their significance as songs for the journey of faith, both individually and communally. The hosts, Amanda Bible William and Rachel Myers, discuss the historical context of these Psalms, which were sung by the Jewish people on pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the festivals ordained by God. They highlight the themes of home, dwelling with God, and the communal nature of faith. The episode delves into the specific meaning of Psalm 120, a cry for truth and peace, and its relevance to the human experience of longing for peace and help. The hosts also emphasize the power of praying Scripture, particularly the Psalms, as a way to connect with God and express our needs. They discuss the importance of remembering God's faithfulness and the role of oral tradition in passing on the story of God's people. The episode concludes with a reading of Psalm 121, a song of protection, and a reflection on the meaning of God's protection in the face of suffering and loss. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with the Psalms this week, allowing them to minister to their hearts and teach them about God's faithfulness and love.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the She Reads Truth podcast and its mission to provide accessible Bible reading plans and resources. It also introduces the hosts, Amanda Bible William and Rachel Myers, and the upcoming three-week study of the Psalms of Ascent.
The Psalms of Ascent: Songs for the Journey
This Chapter explores the historical context of the Psalms of Ascent, explaining that they were sung by the Jewish people on pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the festivals ordained by God. The hosts discuss the themes of home, dwelling with God, and the communal nature of faith.
Psalm 120: A Cry for Truth and Peace
This Chapter focuses on Psalm 120, a cry for truth and peace, and its relevance to the human experience of longing for peace and help. The hosts discuss the specific language of the Psalm and its connection to the story of Israel and humanity.
The Power of Praying Scripture
This Chapter emphasizes the power of praying Scripture, particularly the Psalms, as a way to connect with God and express our needs. The hosts share personal experiences of using the Psalms in prayer and discuss the importance of understanding that we don't always need to know exactly what to pray.
The Three Pilgrimage Festivals
This Chapter provides context for the Psalms of Ascent by explaining the three pilgrimage festivals that the Jewish people were commanded to observe: Passover, the Festival of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Festival of Shelters (Feast of Tabernacles). The hosts discuss the significance of these festivals in remembering God's faithfulness and the ways in which they foreshadowed the coming of Jesus.
The Ascent of Faith
This Chapter explores the imagery of the Psalms of Ascent as a metaphor for the Christian life, which is often a climb and a challenge. The hosts discuss the importance of remembering that we are journeying towards a higher place, where God dwells.
Psalm 121: The Lord, Our Protector
This Chapter focuses on Psalm 121, a song of protection, and its relevance to the human experience of seeking security and comfort in the face of suffering and loss. The hosts discuss the meaning of God's protection and the importance of trusting in His sovereignty.
Psalm 122: A Prayer for Jerusalem
This Chapter explores Psalm 122, a prayer for Jerusalem, and its application to praying for our families, communities, and the world. The hosts discuss the themes of peace, prosperity, and the importance of seeking the well-being of those around us.
Psalm 123: Looking for God's Favor
This Chapter focuses on Psalm 123, a short but powerful prayer for God's favor. The hosts discuss the boldness of the Psalmist's request and the importance of being unashamed of our need for help from God.
Psalm 124: The Lord is on Our Side
This Chapter concludes the episode with a reading of Psalm 124, a song of deliverance and rescue. The hosts discuss the importance of remembering that God is on our side, even in the midst of suffering and hardship. They encourage listeners to embrace the change of pace and allow the Psalms to minister to their hearts.
Keywords
Psalms of Ascent
A collection of 15 Psalms (Psalms 120-134) in the Hebrew Bible that are traditionally associated with pilgrimages to Jerusalem. These Psalms are often characterized by themes of longing, hope, and trust in God, reflecting the experiences of the Israelites as they journeyed to the Temple in Jerusalem.
Pilgrimage
A journey to a sacred place, often undertaken for religious reasons. In the context of the Psalms of Ascent, the pilgrimages were made by the Israelites to Jerusalem for the festivals ordained by God.
Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, considered a holy city by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. It is the site of the Temple Mount, where the First and Second Temples stood, and is a place of pilgrimage for many religious people.
Festivals
Religious celebrations that commemorate important events or figures. In the Old Testament, God ordained three major festivals for the Israelites: Passover, the Festival of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Festival of Shelters (Feast of Tabernacles).
Passover
A Jewish festival that commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. It is celebrated in the spring and involves a special meal called the Seder, which includes symbolic foods that represent the events of the Exodus.
Pentecost
A Christian festival that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles in Jerusalem. It is celebrated 50 days after Easter and is often associated with the beginning of the Christian church.
Feast of Tabernacles
A Jewish festival that commemorates the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness after the Exodus. It is celebrated in the fall and involves building temporary shelters called sukkahs, which symbolize the Israelites' dwellings in the desert.
Shema
A Jewish prayer that affirms the oneness of God. It is found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and is considered one of the most important prayers in Judaism.
Shalom
A Hebrew word that encompasses the concepts of peace, wholeness, and well-being. It is often used to describe a state of harmony and completeness, both with God and with others.
Covenant School Shooting
A tragic school shooting that occurred on March 27, 2023, at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. The shooting resulted in the deaths of three 9-year-old children and three adults.
Q&A
What are the Psalms of Ascent and why are they called 'Songs for the Journey'?
The Psalms of Ascent are a collection of 15 Psalms (Psalms 120-134) in the Hebrew Bible that were traditionally sung by the Israelites on pilgrimages to Jerusalem. They are called 'Songs for the Journey' because they reflect the experiences of the Israelites as they traveled to the Temple in Jerusalem, expressing their longing, hope, and trust in God.
What are the three pilgrimage festivals that the Israelites were commanded to observe?
The three pilgrimage festivals were Passover, the Festival of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Festival of Shelters (Feast of Tabernacles). These festivals were ordained by God as a way for the Israelites to remember His faithfulness and to celebrate His blessings.
How can the Psalms be used as a guide for prayer?
The Psalms provide a rich and varied language for prayer, offering expressions of praise, lament, thanksgiving, and petition. They can be used as a model for our own prayers, helping us to articulate our needs and desires to God.
What does it mean to be 'soul safe' in the Lord?
Being 'soul safe' in the Lord means that our eternal destiny is secure in His hands. Even though we may experience suffering and loss in this life, we can find comfort in knowing that our souls are safe in God's care.
What is the significance of the image of the Psalms of Ascent as an 'ascent'?
The image of the Psalms of Ascent as an 'ascent' is a metaphor for the Christian life, which is often a journey of growth and challenge. It reminds us that we are journeying towards a higher place, where God dwells, and that our faith is a process of continual striving and seeking.
How can we pray for our communities and the world in light of Psalm 122?
Psalm 122 is a prayer for Jerusalem, but it can also be applied to praying for our families, communities, and the world. We can pray for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of those around us, seeking God's blessing and protection for them.
What is the importance of remembering God's faithfulness in our lives?
Remembering God's faithfulness is essential for our spiritual growth and stability. It helps us to trust in His promises, even when we face difficult circumstances. By reflecting on God's past faithfulness, we can find hope and encouragement for the present and the future.
What is the significance of the statement 'The Lord is on our side' in Psalm 124?
The statement 'The Lord is on our side' in Psalm 124 is a powerful affirmation of God's presence and protection in our lives. It reminds us that even when we face challenges and hardships, God is with us and working for our good.
How does the Holy Spirit help us in our prayer life?
The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, helping us to pray in ways that we cannot even articulate. He interprets our groans and sighs, bringing our needs before God and advocating for us.
What is the ultimate truth that we can learn from the Psalms of Ascent?
The ultimate truth that we can learn from the Psalms of Ascent is that God is faithful and loving, and He is always with us on our journey of faith. He is our protector, our rescuer, and our source of hope and strength.
Show Notes
This week, Raechel and Amanda are kicking off Week 1 of our Psalms of Ascent study! They have a deep and honest conversation about the hope of Scripture in spiritual seasons of climbing. These psalms are for the times when we need encouragement for our own faith as we experience confusion, suffering, and the world’s brokenness, as they anchor us to the God who is a faithful protector and provider through it all.
Open your Bibles with us this week! This episode corresponds to Week 1 of She Reads Truth’s Psalms of Ascent Reading Plan. You can read with the She Reads Truth community on our site, app, or with our Psalms of Ascent printed or digital Daily Reading Guide.
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