Psalm 19 Project

Psalm 19: 7-14

due at the beginning of the week 9 class

This semester, you will use this passage to practice some of the skills learned in the Bible Study Methods class. Portions of this assignment will be due throughout the semester and the completed project is due at the end of the semester. This is not a difficult assignment, but it will require some effort. The goal is to teach you how Bible study is more of a process than an exercise. Good Bible study takes time, especially if you are studying for the purpose of building a relationship with the Lord.

This assignment is composed of weekly exercises that will build upon each other and mimic the Bible study process you will learn in class. If you fall behind, it will be difficult to catch up because you might find yourself rushing through portions that will not help you learn anything unless you slow down. If you fall behind, let me know and we can find a way for you to get back on track.

There is a portion of subjectivity to this assignment. Every student will not notice the same details. Throughout the semester, we will take some time to study the assignment together in order to ensure we are all on the right track.

Even though the exercises are weekly, it is a good idea to spend time on them more than once a week. The more observations you make, the better your study will be. Let’s begin with your week one exercise. Be sure to use a New American Standard Bible.

Week One: Observation

Read through Psalm 19:7-14 and make observations about what you see. No detail is insignificant. Write down everything you notice in the space below. Pray before you begin. Chapter two in your text reminds you that Bible study is worship; do not approach this exercise without talking to the Lord.

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Week Two: Observation

Repeat the exercise from week one. Write down any new details, questions, or curious observations that you did not see in week one. No detail is insignificant. Write down everything you notice in the space below. Pray before you begin. Chapter two in your text reminds you that Bible study is worship; do not approach this exercise without talking to the Lord.

Week Three: Observation / Key Words

Once again, read through Psalm 19:7-14 and make observations about what you see. No detail is insignificant. Write down everything you notice in the space below. In addition, list any words in verses 7-10 that you consider to be key words. Look up their definitions in the original language and write them down. You can either use the reference books or any of the online tools we spoke about in class. Remember, pray before you begin; Bible study is worship.

Week Four: Observation / Key Words

Repeat your exercise from last week. Make observations about what you see and write down everything you notice in the space below. List any words in verses 11-14 that you consider to be key words. Look up their definitions in the original language and write them down. You can either use the reference books or any of the online tools we spoke about in class. Remember, pray before you begin; Bible study is worship.

Week Five: What is the Author Saying?

Review your observations from the first four weeks. What is the general idea the author is trying to convey in verses 7-10? Add to your observations the definitions of the key words you found. See if they amplify your understanding. Pray before you begin; you are not trying to figure out what the passage means to you. You are trying to understand what it means to the One Who wrote it. Again, pray before you begin; Bible study is worship. When it’s time to apply the Scripture you are studying, that will be the time you try to understand what the passage means to you.

Week Six: What is the Author Saying?

Repeat the exercise from last week, but work on verses 11-14 instead. What is the general idea the author is trying to convey in verses 7-9? Remember, pray before you begin; you are not trying to figure out what the passage means to you. You are trying to understand what it means to the One Who wrote it. Again, pray before you begin; Bible study is worship. When it’s time to apply the Scripture you are studying, that will be the time you try to understand what the passage means to you.

Week Seven: Applying What You’ve Learned

Now that you have an idea of what the passage is teaching, how will you use it in your life? Before you consider this, talk to God. Make sure you haven’t missed anything He wants you to see. Write in the space below ways you should apply this Scripture to your life. Some of these will be more subjective than objective. Talk to God about what you wrote down. Share your thoughts with Him. If you made a plan on how to use what you have learned, ask Him to either approve your plan, or to adjust it to His liking.

Week Eight: Final Application

Talk to the Lord about what you have experienced the past seven weeks. Tell Him what you think and feel. Ask Him for more insight if you need it. Ask Him for the strength to do what you now understand you must do. Make any personal notes in the space below.