The Heart of the Psalms - Leader Guide: God’s Word to the World

Understanding God’s word to the world. The Book of Psalms has been called a school of prayer, as these eloquent words to God become the Word of God for us and a road map to navigate life with God in this world. This study focuses on six psalms, each offering a unique glimpse into God’s heart: Psalm 8 (awe), Psalm 27 (beauty), Psalm 51 (mercy), Psalm 73 (surely), Psalm 90 (time), and Psalm 116 (love). The Study examines why these six psalms connect so deeply with us, the church, and beyond. The text gives us a way to pray when words are hard to find, drawing from the hearts of real people seeking God. Go inside the world of these psalms, considering where they were written, their key phrases in Hebrew, and even the time of day they evoke. Throughout history, people have turned to these words at pivotal times, finding hope, comfort, and inspiration. The Heart of the Psalms will help you weigh why and how these psalms matter and how they can be transformative today for us, the church, and God’s world. The Leader Guide contains discussion questions and session plans for a six-week study of The Heart of the Psalms. It includes opening and closing prayers, optional activities, and weekly session goals. It is designed to be used with the book and DVD.

James C. Howell is the senior pastor of Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC, and the author of more than 20 books, including Weak Enough to Lead, Conversations with St. Francis, The Life We Claim, and The Beautiful Work of Learning to Pray. His podcast, ＂Maybe I’m Amazed,＂ blogs, and retreats are popular, as are his work on leadership and community activism.