Read Psalm 35:1-10. How do you envision David’s physical posture as he prays this prayer (standing, sitting, kneeling, etc)? What emotions does this psalm evoke for you?

In the sermon today, we discussed the 5 elements of imprecatory psalms (and other laments). Can you identify each of them in these verses? How about in the 2nd and 3rd stanzas (vv 11-18 and 19-28)?

• Invocation - direct address to God.

• Complaint - announcing the problem

• Petition - asking for the resolution

• Trust - declaring faith in God’s faithfulness

• Praise - proclamation or promise of praise and adoration

Read Matthew 5:44 and Romans 12:19. How do we reconcile these verses with imprecatory (cursing) psalms like Ps 35? Do you think that New Testament believers can and should continue to pray these psalms in Christian worship? Why or why not?

Read 1 Samuel 24:1-12. How would you describe David’s conduct toward Saul? How does his conduct compare/contrast with what we read in Psalm 35?

In the sermon today, Robb suggested 4 theaters in which believers can pray through the imprecatory psalms. Have you ever prayed in any of these ways? How else might we utilize the imprecatory psalms in our spiritual lives?

• Pray as you encounter personal injustice

• Pray for the persecuted global church

• Pray against spiritual enemies

• Pray through the goodness of God as seen in the imprecatory psalms

Spend time sharing with one another ways to be praying for each other in the week ahead.