Monday, December 2

Psalm 25:1-10 

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 

O my God, in you I trust; 

    do not let me be put to shame; 

    do not let my enemies exult over me. 

Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; 

    let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. 

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; 

    teach me your paths. 

Lead me in your truth and teach me, 

    for you are the God of my salvation; 

    for you I wait all day long. 

Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, 

    for they have been from of old. 

Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; 

    according to your steadfast love remember me, 

    for the sake of your goodness, O Lord! 

Good and upright is the Lord; 

    therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 

He leads the humble in what is right 

    and teaches the humble his way. 

All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, 

    for those who keep his covenant and his decrees. 

Reflection Questions: 

1. Advent is traditionally understood as a season of waiting – waiting for Christmas, and waiting for God to act in our world.  What does this psalm have to say about waiting? What do you think it means to “wait upon the Lord”? 

2. The author of this psalm prays for God’s guidance, asking God to teach them.  What are you praying for God to teach you during this Advent season?  

3. This psalm proclaims God’s mercy and willingness to forgive us.  How does the promise of God’s mercy matter for your life? How might knowing that God is merciful be important for your life of faith? 

4. This psalm ends by proclaiming God’s love and faithfulness. How does the promise of God’s faithfulness encourage you to live with hope? How does God’s faithfulness encourage you to live faithfully (to God and to others)?