Why do you sleep, O Lord?

Sermon Notes March 17, 2019 Psalm 44 Short Review Review the main points of the morning message. Focus on: How do we pray when we feel like God has ignored us and let us down? Some Questions for Discussion: 1. Hearing testimonies of how God has delivered other people can be wonderful and encouraging. But why do those stories sometimes discourage us and make us ask, “Why not me?” 2. Read verses 9-16. Would you ever dare to pray like this? Why or why not? What makes us feel uncomfortable about addressing God in this way? 3. Read verses 17-23. a. Does this sound arrogant and self-righteous to you? Why? b. How or Why can anyone gain this kind of confidence? c. Comment on I John 3:18-22 in light of Ps. 44:17-23. How does the Holy Spirit work in the life of the believer to both point out sin and assure us? 4. Is it hard to pray when many things seem to go against us? Why is that? How do you respond? 5. Do you see a variety, a kind of worship in 44:9-16 and 17-23 – a kind of “negative praise?” a. Imagine an unbeliever complaining about God – how are his words different? b. How can our complaints to God be an act of worship? c. How can the very act of prayer (no matter its content) be an act of worship? [e.g., note that he hopes in God – vs. 23 – as his only deliverer] 6. Comment (if you have any) on the four lessons presented, and share examples from your life: a. We don’t always know the cause of our suffering b. God’s timing is not ours – but God has not abandoned us c. Don’t stop praying when you feel like this d. Believe the truth even when your emotions don’t agree 7. How can we pray for one another in response to the word today?