HOW SIN BREAKS US It others and us The psalm subtitle, Ps 51:1-3 It us from God Ps 51:4 It than we think Ps 51:5 HOW MERCY RENEWS US It’s needed by The psalm subtitle It flows from Ps 51:1 It restores Ps 51:6 CARRY THIS PRAYER WITH YOU THIS WEEK: Questions for Further Reflection & Discussion Is there a simple phrase or prayer you’ve found yourself repeating in hard or stressful moments? If so, why do you think it stuck with you? Read Psalm 51:1-6 and review the sermon outline. What gets you thinking and why? Look at the psalm’s subtitle. Why do you think naming sin honestly is so hard for us and yet so important? In verse 4, David says to God, “Against you, you only, have I sinned.” And yet his sin was clearly against people too. But how does seeing sin primarily as something that affects our relationship with God add to the way we understand its seriousness? Psalm 51 assumes that everyone needs mercy. Why do you think it’s easier to believe that truth for others than for ourselves? Verse 1 describes mercy as flowing from God’s character, specifically His steadfast love and compassion. How does that picture of God challenge or correct the way God is often viewed in our culture? If you truly believed God delights to show mercy, how might it change the way you face your past, your present struggles, or even other people? The prayer “Lord, have mercy on me” is short and repeatable. How do you think this prayer might be especially useful throughout the week?