The Penitential Psalms

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In spring of 2025, Pastor Ryan introduced us to some of the Penitential Psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143).

June 8 – Anguish (Psalm 6)
June 15 – A Newly Created Heart (Psalm 51)
June 22 – Lectio Devina of Psalm 130 (詩 篇 130) – no recording
June 29 – A Response from Lament (Psalm 102)
July 6 – Joy in Confession (Psalm 32)

The two Penitential Psalms not included in this series are Psalm 38 / 詩 篇 38 (of David, asking God to remember him) and Psalm 143 / 詩 篇 143 (also David, asking for help).

Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash

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We think of confession as something frightening, to be avoided if possible. But in David’s psalm 32, it’s more uncomfortable to keep our sins hidden. Confessing our sins to God brings a new and joyful relationship with Him. In fact, he recommends that “all the godly” confess their sins. And then he recommends that we do something else.

“Joy in Confession” by Pastor Ryan Emmons

1 John 1:8-10 (NLT) ; 馬 太 福 音 5:13-16 (CUVS)
Psalm 32:1-11 (NLT) ; 詩 篇 32:1-11 (CUVS)

You can set up a real-time transcript when you listen on your device. You can also read Pastor Ryan’s sermon notes (not a transcript).

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In Psalm 102, the psalmist starts out with strong lament over the sorry state of his life, but moves to thinking about God’s everlasting nature and compassion, and confidence that God’s goodness will endure and lead to praises by people of all nations. This realization enables him to move forward out of guilt and self-pity. What is the connection, and what does he move toward?

Matthew 5:13-16 (NLT) ; 馬 太 福 音 5:13-16 (CUVS)
Psalm 102 (NLT) ; 詩 篇 102 (CUVS)

You can set up a real-time transcript when you listen on your device. You can also read Pastor Ryan’s sermon notes (not a transcript).

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

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In Psalm 51, David cries out in sorrow and repentance to God after the prophet Nathan confronts him about taking Bathsheba for his wife and killing her husband. What is the essence of his confession? That is, what exactly is he asking God for?

“A Newly Created Heart”, by Pastor Ryan Emmons

Luke 15:20-24 (NLT) ; 路 加 福 音 15:20-24(CUVS)
Psalm 51:1-19 (NLT) ; 詩 篇 51:1-19 (CUVS)

You can set up a real-time transcript when you listen on your device. You can also read Pastor Ryan’s sermon notes (not a transcript).

Photo by Aziz Acharki on Unsplash