A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene H. Peterson
Week 5: Chapter 4 — Mercy (Psalm 123)
Read Chapter 4 of A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. Primary text: Psalm 123.
Previewing Week 5 of A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 14-week guide when you’re ready.
Psalm 123 is the prayer of people who are being looked down on — and it teaches us to respond to contempt not with retaliation but with an upward gaze toward the mercy of God.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Psalm 123 describes the experience of contempt — being scorned and mocked by those who are "at ease." Peterson insists this is a real, painful experience that the Bible takes seriously. When have you felt looked down on for your faith? How did you respond?
2.Peterson uses the image of a servant watching the master's hand — not slavishly or fearfully, but attentively, with trust. What does it look like practically to orient your attention toward God the way a servant orients toward a master?
3.The psalm also uses the image of a maid looking to her mistress's hand — Peterson notes both male and female images for relating to God are present in Scripture. How does having a variety of images for our relationship with God enrich your understanding of prayer and dependence?