“ON THE COUCH”

(Psalms)
This is lesson is part of the “What’s in the Bible?” series, starting with “Memories & Stories” on Genesis

For The Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta

By Sally Ulrey

Key verse: Psalm 13:1,5-6

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?...I trust in your unfailing love…I will sing to the Lord, for he has
been good to me”

Objective:
 To understand the book of Psalms as honest prayers from the heart, which don’t hold
back in expressing all feelings to God, but also allowed God to transform hearts
 To learn a little bit about the types of Psalms, and how they are structured.
 To practice writing our own psalms of honest expression from the heart
The Set up: Moderate
The Plan:
 Hook: Personality Tests (20 mins)
o Several fun activities that will help us get in touch with ourselves and express feelings
 Book: Overview of Psalms (10 mins)
o Structure and Types of Psalms
 Look: A Modern Day Psalm? (10 mins)
o Evaluating a Christian song that has some of the same characteristics of a Psalm
 Took: Writing Our Psalms (10 mins)
o Practicing expressing the honest feelings from the heart
The Supplies:
 Copy of lesson
 Copy of Leader Instructions for each Personality Test
 Copies of Student Pages for each Personality Test
 Copies of Psalms Group Scripture Pages
 Copies of “The Structure of a Psalm” Handout
 AV Equipment with Internet Access (to project Artwork and play music)
 Leader cell phones (for kids who don’t have a phone)
 Flip Chart & Marker
 Paper and pens/pencils
The Preparation:
 Print and copy everything
 Get Artwork Ready (open tabs for all the artwork and set up projector)
 Cue up Music
 Read the Scripture and get very familiar with the mini-lecture

“On the Couch” (Psalms)

by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
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ABOUT THE LESSON: The major point of the books of Psalms is: PRAYER. The psalms point to prayer as a
deeply personal connection to God, one where the individual can express honestly, all his/her feelings and
responses to life’s events. It’s kind of like counseling, which only works well if we’re willing to honestly reflect
on where we are, where we want to be, and what can help move us to a new place. This lesson will talk about
the importance of expressing all of those things to God honestly, so that God can help move us to a new place.
It will start out with some fun and light-hearted activities that will get students in touch with their emotions
and personalities, move to some examples of the same from the Psalms, look at a Christian song that is similar
to a Psalm, and then allow students to practice expressing some of those deep feelings to God. The bottom
line of the book of Psalms is that a deeply personal relationship with God, where we allow ourselves to be
honest with our faults and strengths, will help us move to be a more loving and whole person in the world.

Personality Tests (Hook, 20 mins)

For the opening of the lesson, you’ll have the students doing some fun, light-hearted activities to help them
get in touch with their feelings, who they are deep down inside, and help them express that.

 LEADER TIP: if you’ve got a lot of students, you may consider doing these activities as Stations or
Centers, with an adult leading each activity, and small groups of students traveling around to each
activity. In other words, they would all be going on at the same time. Another option would be to pick
just a couple until time’s up.

OVERVIEW OF PERSONALITY TESTS—Detailed ACTIVITY LEADER PAGES ARE AT THE END OF THE LESSON!!
Activity #1—Artwork Evokes (5 mins)
Students will record their reactions to viewing different pieces of art.
 LEADER TIP: You will need to use the links on the “Activity #1—Artwork Evokes” LEADER PAGE at the
end of the lesson to open all the pictures in your browser so you’ll be ready to show them. They are not
reproduced here in case of copyright issues.

Activity #2—Artwork Expresses (5 mins)

Draw a picture according to the instructions, and the way you draw it can tell you about yourself

Activity #3—Scenarios (5 mins)

Describe how you would respond in certain scenarios: if you were feeling extra snarky, if you were feeling extra
generous, and how you probably would actually respond

Activity #4—Personality test (5 mins)

Have each person take a short and simple Meyers-Briggs personality test, then use their phones to look up more info about
their results (or borrow a leader’s if they didn’t bring a phone). Then, talk about what types of ministries those personalities
might enjoy in the church (see resources for further discussion in the Activity Leader Pages at the end of the lesson).

Transition: Getting in touch with your emotions and learning more about who you are deep down inside can be really
helpful. Taking an honest look at yourself, your strengths and your challenges, and how you respond to situations can
help you grow. Prayer is a place that really helps you be honest, because God loves you unconditionally and still already
knows you so well. Lots of times, God hears our prayers and acts on our behalf, but lots of times, God uses our prayer
time to change us…we can let our guard down and be honest about how we feel, how we’ve failed, what we need help
with, where we are, where we want to be. That is exactly what the Psalms help us do…they help us pray in an honest
way, from the heart…a way that can help change us and help us grow. It’s kind of like therapeutic counseling. Let’s take
a look.

“On the Couch” (Psalms)

by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
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Overview of Psalms (Book, 10 mins)
In this section, we’ll have the students briefly look over some of the Psalms, and then give a brief outline of
how each psalm was written, and the structure that it follows. Then we’ll put the students into groups to
study a psalm and find the elements of each structure.

 LEADER TIP: You will want to look over the Scripture, and Mini-Lecture, below in advance to be
familiar with what all is in Psalms.

 Pass out the “Structure of a Psalm” worksheet to each student

 Go over the Mini-Lecture (5 mins)
 Put the students into groups of 3-4
 Give each group a Psalm to study (see Scripture Pages below for Psalm 12, 51, 103, 109)
 Have them note at least one verse that fulfills each part of the Psalm’s structure
 Briefly have them report any observations.

Mini-Lecture (5 mins)
Two Major Types of Psalms
 Thanksgiving/Praise (testifying to all the ways God is wonderful and awesome)
 Laments (they usually petitioned God for something…like help, or justice, or relief, or healing, or forgiveness)
o Special types of laments: Confession and Imprecatory
o Thanksgivings and Laments can also be either individual or corporate.

The Structure of A Psalm1

Laments:
 Address or Invocation “O God,” or “Lord our God,” or “Almighty King”
 Complaint/Lament “The world is unfair”
 Affirmation of Trust “But I know you got this”
 Petition “But I could use a little help here”
 Praise/Doxology “You are good; I will praise you”

Thanksgiving/Praise (individual):
 Summary of the Testimony of the Psalmist (remembering pleas and God’s intervention)
 Narration of Psalmist (more details about problem and God’s help)
 Praise and Thanksgiving (God is amazing, thanks for all God has done)

Thanksgiving/Praise (corporate, sometimes called “Hymns”):

 Call to Praise “We should praise God”
 Reason for Praise “Cuz God is awesome and made everything”
 Renewed Call to Praise “So let’s keep praising God”

As you can see, even in the Laments, there is a place for praise. As you look through examples of the Laments, they are
very honest about their pain, but they also leave room for God to move and change their hearts.

1
Bratcher, Dennis. The Voice: Biblical and Theological Resources for Growing Christians. “Patterns for Life…Psalms”
http://www.crivoice.org/psalmgenre.html
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(Mini-Lecture Continued) A Note about Imprecatory Psalms.
(Imprecatory has to do with a curse…these psalms are cursing someone!), which feels a little problematic.
 We have to remember that those imprecatory Psalms were always related to injustice. The person/people praying
them had less power and were treated unfairly. They were a cry for justice, especially when they didn’t have the
power to make it right, only God did.
 LEADER TIP: You can tie this to some of the social justice movements in our day. It is interesting that the
language calling for justice is so forceful…it would without a doubt be offensive to the oppressors. Sometimes,
we forget this when viewing the social justice movements of our day. Social justice movements are often
criticized for not being respectful, their language is too forceful, they should advocate their cause in a more polite
way. You can make a connection with the cries for justice of the Psalms and the language of social justice
movements in our own day.
 We have to remember that those who prayed these Psalms (usually the powerless) did NOT take justice into their
own hands by use of violence. They let God be the one to actually take care of bringing justice.
 We have to remember that the Psalms were honest expressions of how they were feeling. And that’s how they were
feeling. It’s interesting, and maybe a little freeing, that these raw emotions were included in Scripture.
 But each Psalm has a structure, so that the one praying them could feel what they were feeling, but they didn’t stay
there… Psalms pretty much always included a statement of faith and trust, and left the situation in God’s hands to
deal with.

Notes for Teachers on the Small Group Work.

Not all Psalms have all the elements of the structure of a Psalm in the order that’s listed.
Here are some ideas of what Students may find for each Psalm, for your reference.
Lament Psalm 12 Psalm 51 (Confession) Psalm 109 (Imprecatory)
Address (Help), Lord (Have mercy…), God My God, whom I praise
Complaint V1-2 No one is faithful V3-6 I can’t get rid of my sin V 2-5 wicked people are out to
get me!
Affirmation of Trust V5 believes God will arise V17 you won’t despise my V 21 you deliver me because of
sacrifice of my repentant heart your goodness and love
Petition V3-4 Silence lying lips… V 7 on: Cleanse me! V 6-20 Get the evil people
V 22-29 Help me
Praise V6 Words of Lord are flawless V 18-19: you prosper and V 30-31 I will praise
accept us
Hymn (Corporate Psalm of Thanksgiving)—Psalm 103
 Call to Praise: vs 1-5…reasons for praise…God is so loving and good
 Reason for Praise: v 7-18…look at all the ways God has been faithful
 Renewed Call to Praise: vs 20-22…keep praising God!

 LEADER TIP: after the Mini-Lecture, they’ll study a Psalm in groups and report back their observations.
If you have more than 4 groups, you’ll need to have some groups do the same thing! Be sure to make
enough copies of each group page!

Transition (after you’ve gone over the Psalms in Groups):

The Psalms were prayers. Like good counseling or therapy, the Psalms were heart-work. They are like going to
the counselor’s office, lying on the couch, and pouring your heart out. Like counseling, praying the psalms was
most effective when the person praying them was being honest about how they were feeling, and was willing
to work to do the right despite how they felt. Let’s look at a more modern example.

“On the Couch” (Psalms)

by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
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A Modern Day Psalm? (Look, 10 mins)
In this part, students will get a chance to evaluate on a Christian song that has similar characteristics to an
imprecatory psalm, with one glaring difference: there’s no affirmation of trust. This is an example of what
happens when we don’t discipline ourselves to pray in the structure of the Psalms…we just dwell on the
negative feelings, and we don’t allow God to move us toward a renewed place. There are literally HUNDREDS
of Christian songs that are based on Psalms or are structured similarly, but not many that have an imprecatory
feel. This song, “Enamel” by the band Brave Saint Saturn, really shook up the Christian music scene because of
its imprecatory nature. While it is an example of expressing honest feelings, it is NOT like the Psalms in that it
doesn’t move on from there.

 Explain that this is a song by a Christian and which has some similarities and some differences to a
Psalm
 Display the lyrics to Brave Saint Saturn’s song “Enamel” here: https://genius.com/Brave-saint-saturn-
enamel-lyrics WARNING: The song says “hell” in it.
 Play the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hWfxHID9NU

Large Group Discussion Questions

1. What is the story here?
His finance left him at some point before getting married, and then moved to Mexico, and he’s angry
2. If this were a Psalm, what type would it be? (Lament, Confession, Imprecatory, Praise)?
Imprecatory…he does NOT wish her well
3. How is it like a Psalm?
Because he is negative in what he’s hoping for her
4. How is it NOT like a Psalm?
Because it doesn’t move the person from negative to positive like a Psalm does…there’s no
affirmation of trust or praise. Also, we don’t know if these negative wishes are tied to justice??

Transitional Statement
The structure of a Psalm, especially a lament, reminded the one praying it to turn toward trust in God and
praise. It didn’t just let people wallow in anger and pity. The very structure of it reminded them that they
needed to allow God to move their hearts to renewal.

If you’ve ever been to New Beginnings, you know that the ACTS prayer (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving,
Supplication) has a structure that does the same thing.

Incidentally, if you pay attention to our church’s Collects in the Prayer Book, you will notice that they have a
similar structure as well… They start with an Address (“O God”), then ask God for something (Petition), then
they all say “so that”, (expressing the Desired Result or hope), and then they end with “In the Name of” and
say something about who God is.

The point is that the psalms/prayers in Scripture teach us that we can and should absolutely express ourselves
and our feelings honestly to God, but that also, God’s presence prompts us to move from where we are to a
place where we are renewed and transformed. Now we are going to practice writing our own Psalms…

“On the Couch” (Psalms)

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Writing Our Psalm
(Took, 10 mins)
For the closing time, we’ll invite the students to write their own Psalms according to the structures provided in
the Handout, to help them practice being completely honest with God, but also practice allowing God to move
their hearts to a new place.

 Instruct them to write their Psalms on the back of their “The Structure of a Psalm” Student Handout.
 Explain that they’ll need to pick a type (Lament, Praise, etc.) of Psalm/Prayer that they want to write,
and write it in the structure on the sheet
 Remind them that: (1) this is a time when they can be totally honest with God and (2) this is a time to
allow God to move them from how they currently feel to a place of renewal and transformation.
 Tell them this is a quiet time of prayer, an individual activity.
 Explain that after everyone has used Scripture to encourage each prayer request, then they’ll take a
picture of their own prayer requests with all the references around them, so they can know what
others are praying for them.

Close in prayer
 Invite students to offer parts of the Psalms in prayer if they so desire.
 Go around in a circle, and allow them to pray aloud or silently.
 They don’t have to pray the whole thing, just one or two parts as they see fit.
AMEN.

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Activity #1—Art Evokes (5 mins) FOR LEADER pg 1
SUPPLIES: Blank Paper and Pens for each Student, Pictures to Display (get them ready from links, next page)
LEADER INSTRUCTIONS:
 Pass out paper and a writing utensil to each student
 Explain that you will be showing a painting, and when you do they are to write down four things:
1. If they like or dislike it
2. If they can pinpoint anything in particular they like or dislike
3. Their emotional reaction (how it makes them feel)
4. What it reminds them of in real life
 Show all the paintings, giving about 15-20 seconds in between for each one
 After all are shown, allow them to share answers to #1 and #4
 Share with them some things it may mean about their personality (see below)

Some things their preferences might show about their personality 2:

Statistical Diagrams: If you were drawn to simple, symmetrical shapes and patterns, especially those resembling
statistical diagrams or pie charts…
 You live by a code of ethics, may not like the unexpected, prefer things to be formulated. Though some may not
like certainty or predictability, to you, it feels like a firm foundation. You are a straightforward, practical thinker,
and may not appreciate complexity or drama in relationships.
Geometric Shapes: If you were drawn to geometric shapes (circles, squares, triangles) in repeated patterns…
 You like a balance between dependability and creativity. You may enjoy multi-tasking, or having an assortment
of duties. You are not misled by unrealistic dreams, but enjoy experimenting occasionally. You are focused on
what is important, and know what is expected of you.
Creative Freestyle: if you were drawn to original, organic pieces…
 You may feel inspired to be original, and may not take society’s customs as seriously as others. You like to
explore all the possibilities, and want to strike out on your own path. You are creative and inventive. Daily
routines and discipline may be a challenge for you. It may also be challenging to keep commitments if something
new comes up.

Some things their COLOR preferences might show about their personality 3:

Black. People who are drawn to blacks/greys are artistic and sensitive. While these people aren't introverts, they are
careful with the details of their lives and do not share easily with others.
White. People who like white are often organized and logical and don't have a great deal of clutter in their lives.
Red. Those who love red live life to the fullest and are tenacious and determined in their endeavors.
Blue. If blue is what you're drawn to, you like harmony, are reliable, sensitive and always make an effort to think of
others. You like to keep things clean and tidy and feel that stability is the most important aspect in life.
Green. Those who love the color green are often affectionate, loyal and frank. Green lovers are also aware of what
others think of them and consider their reputation very important.
Yellow. You enjoy learning and sharing your knowledge with others. Finding happiness comes easy to you and others
would compare you to sunshine.
Purple. You are artistic and unique. You have a great respect for people but at times can be arrogant.

2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Te45kz-Piw&feature=youtu.be
3
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/digital-leaders/201106/what-does-the-color-you-choose-say-about-you
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Activity #1—Art Evokes (Continued) FOR LEADER pg 2

Open these links in different tabs in your browser, and be ready to switch between them.
(They are not reproduced here in case of copyright issues)

Image 1
https://goo.gl/images/ctUn8j

Image 2
https://goo.gl/images/pxAst8

Image 3
https://goo.gl/images/6xj3ro

Image 4
https://goo.gl/images/PMPvUF

Image 5
https://goo.gl/images/BfKsSM

Image 6
https://goo.gl/images/w9b9XT

Image 7
https://goo.gl/images/Dk4Yio

Image 8
https://goo.gl/images/8YdvEZ

Image 9
https://goo.gl/images/8JYJHs

Image 10—Human Flowers

https://goo.gl/images/zfjUCg

Image 11—Tin Foil

https://goo.gl/images/UtXHb3

Image 12—Fine Paper Art

https://goo.gl/images/dwPEoL

Image 13—Colored Pencil Sculpture

https://goo.gl/images/d9n4a4

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Activity #2—Artwork Expresses (5 mins) FOR LEADER pg 1

SUPPLIES: Blank sheets of paper and pens for each student, Leaders need access to how to interpret drawings

LEADER INSTRUCTIONS: Pick ONE picture to have them draw according to the instructions, then share what
the way they draw it says about their personality (the PIG personality test results are included next page; if
you choose any of the others, you’ll need to look them up at the links below). Obviously, these are not sure-
fire ways to tell someone’s personality, but there is actually a lot of psychological research behind these tests.

PIG Personality Test:

On your paper, draw a pig (of the animal variety). (see next page for what it means)
https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/Pig-Personality-Test

The House-Tree-Person Test:

On your paper, draw a House, a Tree, and a Person (see link for what it means)
https://brightside.me/wonder-quizzes/this-house-tree-person-test-will-determine-your-personality-267460/

The Person-in-the-Rain Test:

On your paper, draw a person in the rain, and come up with their story (see link for what it means)
https://brightside.me/wonder-quizzes/this-draw-a-person-in-the-rain-test-will-reveal-your-true-self-271710/

The Mountain Personality Test:

On your paper, draw a mountain, a road/path, trees and other details
http://interpersonal-compatibility.blogspot.com/2017/03/draw-mountain-personality-test.html?m=1

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Activity #2—Artwork Expresses (continued) FOR LEADER pg 2
PIG Personality Test Results:
LEADER INSTRUCTIONS: After all the students have drawn their pigs, you can tell them what different features
mean, and briefly discuss if they think that matches or not.

1. If your pig is drawn toward the Top of your paper, you are an optimistic person with a positive attitude. You
generally anticipate the best possible outcomes of actions and events. In other words, you see the glass as half
full.
2. If your pig is drawn toward the Bottom of your paper, you tend to be more of a pessimistic person. You
generally expect the worst. You see the glass as half empty.
3. If your pig is drawn toward the Middle of your paper, you are a realist who tends to face facts and deal with
them realistically. You see the glass as dirty and put it in the dishwasher.
4. If your pig is drawn facing Left, you believe in tradition, are friendly, outgoing and tend to remember dates
and birthdays. Hint for husbands: remember your wife's birthday but never her age.
5. If your pig is drawn facing Right, you are innovative and active but not as good about remembering dates.
6. If your pig is drawn facing Forward, you are direct, straightforward, welcome discussion, and often enjoy
playing the devil's advocate.
7. If your pig is drawn with Many Details, you are analytical, cautious, careful and may be distrustful.
8. If your pig is drawn with Few Details, you are more impulsive, care little for detail and are willing to take
risks.
9. If your pig is drawn with 4 Legs showing, you are secure, stick to your ideals, and can be stubborn.
10. If your pig is drawn with Less than 4 Legs showing, you may be insecure, uncertain, or living through a
period of major change.
11. The Larger the pig's Ears you have drawn, the better Listener you are.

https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/Pig-Personality-Test

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Activity #3—Scenarios (5 mins) FOR LEADER

SUPPLIES: blank sheets of paper and something to write with

LEADER INSTRUCTIONS: pass out blank sheets of paper to each student. Tell them that you will describe a
scenario, and they need to write down how they would respond:
1) If they were going out of their way to be extra snarky
2) If they were going out of their way to be extra generous and gracious
3) How they would probably actually respond

Scenario #1
You overhear someone saying something behind your back that isn’t true, but it’s not a huge deal; it’s just not
entirely accurate. They’re comment is flippant and makes assumptions. (Maybe they were saying something
like saying you missed school the other day because you were tired, when in fact, you were at a funeral…like,
it’s not really any of their business, but it kinda makes it seem like you are lazy or a flake or something, and
you aren’t. You’re not super mad, but it’s a little presumptuous and annoying.)

Scenario #2
You are assigned to do a group project, and one of your good friends is in your group. She has had a Gramma
who has been sick and in the hospital, and hasn’t had a lot of time to do her share of the work, even though
you know she’s usually pretty reliable, and you don’t mind helping either, and plus, you definitely understand
and have compassion for her situation. But you need one thing from her for the project, so you ask to meet
with her in the next couple days before one of your deadlines, but she says she hasn’t gotten to spend a lot of
time with her boyfriend lately, and she wants to spend time with him.

Scenario #3
Two weeks ago, you told your parents you were going to need a ride to your best friend’s orchestra concert to
show your support, and they agreed. But a couple days before, when you reminded them about it, they had
forgotten, and already had plans that involved both cars going somewhere else, and no ride for you.

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Activity #4—Personality test (5 mins) FOR LEADER pg 1
SUPPLIES: Personality Test for each student, pens, smart phone to look up results
LEADER INSTRUCTIONS: Have each person take a Meyers-Briggs personality test. They will need to use their
phones to look up details once they know what they are (or borrow a leader’s phone, if they didn’t bring a
phone). This should only take them about 5 mins. If they finish early, you can talk about what types of
ministries those personalities might enjoy in the church.

Go to: https://www.personalityclub.com/short-personality-test/

For a longer, more in-depth (free) one (if you have about 10 mins):
http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp

Discussion Resources:
“Best Church Ministries for those with Different Personality Types”:
(which ministry might you enjoy based on your personality)
https://www.vanderbloemen.com/blog/best-church-jobs-for-personality-types-infographic

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Activity #4—Personality test (Continued) FOR LEADER pg 2

Discussion Resources:

“Holy Week Personality Type”:

(which saint might you be like, and what part of Holy Week might be your favorite, based on your personality)
http://www.churchrez.org/news/holy-week-myers-briggs

Preview of the Material:

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Activity#4—Short Personality Test FOR STUDENT pg 1

 For each of the four questions below, ask yourself: Which side best represents me most of the time?
You will be tempted to say BOTH and that is normal.
 Everybody is a little bit of both. But the point of this particular personality theory is that people tend to
have a preference for one side over the other.
 Think about which side comes more naturally and choose the letter next to it.

Question 1 – How do you get your energy?

Extraverts = E
 are generally sociable
 are focused on the outer world
 get energy by spending time with others
 talk a lot & start conversations
 speak first, then think
 are quick to take action
 have many friends & many interests
Introverts = I
 are generally quiet
 are focused on their inner world
 get energy by spending time alone
 mostly listen & wait for others to talk first
 think first, then speak
 are slow to take action
 have a few deep friendships & refined interests

Question 2 – How do you see the world & gather information?

Sensors = S iNtuitives = N
 have finely-tuned five senses  use their “sixth sense”
 pay attention to the details  see the “big picture”
 focus on what is real (in the present)  focus on what is possible (in the future)
 think in concrete terms  think in abstract terms
 like practical things  like theories
 like to do (make)  like to dream (design)
 are accurate and observant  are creative and imaginative
 prefer to do things the established way  prefer to try out new ideas

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 FOR STUDENT pg 2

Question 3 – How do you make your decisions?

Thinkers = T Feelers = F

 mostly use their head  mostly use their heart

 make decisions based on logic  make decisions based on their values

 are more interested in things & ideas  are more interested in people & emotions

 treat everybody the same  treat people according to their situation

(emphasizing fairness) (emphasizing compassion)

 are more scientific in describing the world  are more poetic in describing the world

Question 4 – How much do you like to plan ahead?

Judgers = J Perceivers = P

 are organized and structured  are casual and relaxed

 make plans in advance  prefer to “go with the flow”
 keep to the plan  are able to change and adapt quickly
 like to be in control of their life  like to simply let life happen
 want to finalize decisions  want to find more information

You should now have four letters (one for each question). That’s your ‘personality type’.
Read more at: https://www.personalityclub.com/short-personality-test/

Or Scan this QR Code with your smart phone (scroll to the bottom of the page to find the letter combinations):

“On the Couch” (Psalms)

by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
15
 The Structure of A Psalm4
STUDENT HANDOUT
Most Psalms have most of these elements, but there are variations, and sometimes they are in a different
order.

Laments:
 Address or Invocation “O God,” or “Lord our God,” or “Almighty King”
 Complaint/Lament “The world is unfair”
 Affirmation of Trust “But I know you got this”
 Petition “But I could use a little help here”
 Praise/Doxology “You are good; I will praise you”

Thanksgiving/Praise (individual):
 Summary of the Testimony of the Psalmist (remembering pleas and God’s intervention)
 Narration of Psalmist (more details about problem and God’s help)
 Praise and Thanksgiving (God is amazing, thanks for all God has done)

Thanksgiving/Praise (corporate, sometimes called “Hymns”):

 Call to Praise “We should praise God”
 Reason for Praise “Cuz God is awesome and made everything”
 Renewed Call to Praise “So let’s keep praising God”

4
Bratcher, Dennis. The Voice: Biblical and Theological Resources for Growing Christians. “Patterns for Life…Psalms”
http://www.crivoice.org/psalmgenre.html
“On the Couch” (Psalms)
by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
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Group 1—Psalm 12—Lament

INSTRUCTIONS: Using your “Structure of a Psalm” Handout, find which verses/phrases fulfill
each part of a Lament.

Psalm 12[a]
For the director of music. According to sheminith. A psalm of David.
[b]

1
Help, LORD, for no one is faithful anymore;
those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.
2
Everyone lies to their neighbor;
they flatter with their lips
but harbor deception in their hearts.
3
May the LORD silence all flattering lips
and every boastful tongue—
4
those who say,
“By our tongues we will prevail;
our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”
5
“Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan,
I will now arise,” says the LORD.
“I will protect them from those who malign them.”
6
And the words of the LORD are flawless,
like silver purified in a crucible,
like gold[c] refined seven times.
7
You, LORD, will keep the needy safe
and will protect us forever from the wicked,
8
who freely strut about
when what is vile is honored by the human race.

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

“On the Couch” (Psalms)

by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
17
Group 2—Psalm 103—Thanksgiving (Corporate, a Hymn)
INSTRUCTIONS: Using your “Structure of a Psalm” Handout, find which verses/phrases fulfill
each part of the structure of a Hymn.
Psalm 103
Of David.
1
Praise the LORD, my soul; 13
As a father has compassion on his children,
all my inmost being, praise his holy name. so the LORD has compassion on those who fear
2
Praise the LORD, my soul, him;
and forget not all his benefits— 14
for he knows how we are formed,
3
who forgives all your sins he remembers that we are dust.
and heals all your diseases, 15
The life of mortals is like grass,
4
who redeems your life from the pit they flourish like a flower of the field;
and crowns you with love and compassion, 16
the wind blows over it and it is gone,
5
who satisfies your desires with good things and its place remembers it no more.
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 17
But from everlasting to everlasting
6
The LORD works righteousness the LORD’s love is with those who fear him,
and justice for all the oppressed. and his righteousness with their children’s
7
He made known his ways to Moses, children—
his deeds to the people of Israel: 18
with those who keep his covenant
8
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, and remember to obey his precepts.
slow to anger, abounding in love. 19
The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
9
He will not always accuse, and his kingdom rules over all.
nor will he harbor his anger forever; 20
Praise the LORD, you his angels,
10
he does not treat us as our sins deserve you mighty ones who do his bidding,
or repay us according to our iniquities. who obey his word.
11
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, 21
Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
so great is his love for those who fear him; you his servants who do his will.
12
as far as the east is from the west, 22
Praise the LORD, all his works
so far has he removed our transgressions from us. everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the LORD, my soul.

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

“On the Couch” (Psalms)

by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
18
Group 3—Psalm 51—Lament (Confession)
INSTRUCTIONS: Using your “Structure of a Psalm” Handout, find which verses/phrases fulfill
each part of a Lament.

Psalm 51[a]
For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with
Bathsheba.
1
Have mercy on me, O God, 11
Do not cast me from your presence
according to your unfailing love; or take your Holy Spirit from me.
according to your great compassion 12
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
blot out my transgressions. and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
2
Wash away all my iniquity 13
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and cleanse me from my sin. so that sinners will turn back to you.
3
For I know my transgressions, 14
Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
and my sin is always before me. you who are God my Savior,
4
Against you, you only, have I sinned and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
and done what is evil in your sight; 15
Open my lips, Lord,
so you are right in your verdict and my mouth will declare your praise.
and justified when you judge. 16
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
5
Surely I was sinful at birth, you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 17
My sacrifice, O God, is[b] a broken spirit;
6
Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; a broken and contrite heart
you taught me wisdom in that secret place. you, God, will not despise.
7
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; 18
May it please you to prosper Zion,
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
8
Let me hear joy and gladness; 19
Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the
let the bones you have crushed rejoice. righteous,
9
Hide your face from my sins in burnt offerings offered whole;
and blot out all my iniquity. then bulls will be offered on your altar.
10
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

“On the Couch” (Psalms)

by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
19
 INSTRUCTIONS: Using your “Structure of a
Group 4—Psalm 109—Lament (Imprecatory) Psalm” Handout, find which verses/phrases fulfill
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm each part of a Lament.
1
My God, whom I praise, do not remain silent, may it come back on him.
2
for people who are wicked and deceitful He found no pleasure in blessing—
have opened their mouths against me; may it be far from him.
18
they have spoken against me with lying tongues. He wore cursing as his garment;
3
With words of hatred they surround me; it entered into his body like water,
they attack me without cause. into his bones like oil.
4 19
In return for my friendship they accuse me, May it be like a cloak wrapped about him,
but I am a man of prayer. like a belt tied forever around him.
5 20
They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship. May this be the LORD’s payment to my accusers,
6
Appoint someone evil to oppose my enemy; to those who speak evil of me.
21
let an accuser stand at his right hand. But you, Sovereign LORD,
7
When he is tried, let him be found guilty, help me for your name’s sake;
and may his prayers condemn him. out of the goodness of your love, deliver me.
8 22
May his days be few; For I am poor and needy,
may another take his place of leadership. and my heart is wounded within me.
9 23
May his children be fatherless I fade away like an evening shadow;
and his wife a widow. I am shaken off like a locust.
10 24
May his children be wandering beggars; My knees give way from fasting;
may they be driven[a] from their ruined homes. my body is thin and gaunt.
11 25
May a creditor seize all he has; I am an object of scorn to my accusers;
may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor. when they see me, they shake their heads.
12 26
May no one extend kindness to him Help me, LORD my God;
or take pity on his fatherless children. save me according to your unfailing love.
13 27
May his descendants be cut off, Let them know that it is your hand,
their names blotted out from the next generation. that you, LORD, have done it.
14 28
May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before While they curse, may you bless;
the LORD; may those who attack me be put to shame,
may the sin of his mother never be blotted out. but may your servant rejoice.
15 29
May their sins always remain before the LORD, May my accusers be clothed with disgrace
that he may blot out their name from the earth. and wrapped in shame as in a cloak.
16 30
For he never thought of doing a kindness, With my mouth I will greatly extol the LORD;
but hounded to death the poor in the great throng of worshipers I will praise him.
31
and the needy and the brokenhearted. For he stands at the right hand of the needy,
17
He loved to pronounce a curse— to save their lives from those who would condemn them
.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 “On the Couch” (Psalms)
by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
20
 The “What’s in the Bible?” Series

Genesis “Memories and Stories” Nov 2017

Exodus “Near” Nov 2017
Leviticus “You Want me to do What Now?” & “Fellowship” May 2017
Numbers “Unfinished” Nov 2017
Deuteronomy “SuperHero Wanted” Nov 2017
Joshua “Never Give Up” Sep 2016
Judges “No Rules” Dec 2017
Ruth “Loyalty” Feb 2017
1&2 Samuel “Who’s on the Throne?” Dec 2017
1&2 Kings “Lights in the Darkness” Dec 2017
Ezra “Read the Book!” Jan 2018
Nehemiah “Build the Wall” Jan 2018
Esther “Courage” Apr 2017
Job “Bad Theology” Feb 2018
Psalms “On the Couch” Feb 2018

“On the Couch” (Psalms)

by Sally Ulrey for the Diocese of Atlanta
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