1.

Verse 1 employs one’s soul and his inmost being to praise the Lord’s holy name, indicating that man’s soul and inmost being are capable of knowing and praising the Lord’s holy name. What does this passage suggest about: 1) the way God created man; 2) the purpose of creation; 3) the way to praise the Lord; and 4) the reason to praise the Lord? 

2.

Compare verse 2 with verses 3-5. How are the benefits described in verses 3-5 related to one another? Why are they necessary for us? What does the expression “forget not” indicate about the problem which is common to many? Why is it important for us “not” to forget “all” his benefits? Instead of forgetting all his benefits, the author exhorts us to “praise” the Lord. What does his exhortation teach us about the significance of praising the Lord? The reasons to praise Him? 

3.

Verse 6 offers good news for “all the oppressed”. What is “oppression”? Why does it occur? (Matthew 23:37; Deuteronomy 28:15-68) The word “works” is  in present tense, indicating the Lord’s “ongoing work” for “all the oppressed.” How can one practically experience the Lord working on him or her? (Matthew 11:28)

4.

Read verse 7. How are “ways” different from “deeds”? Why did the Lord reveal them? Why is it important to know them? 

5.

Skim through verses 8-18. How many times is the word “love” repeated? How is his “love” described? What has the Lord done in love? Why is it so important for a man as limited as grass or a flower of the field to know this love? The passage indicates that it is only those who fear Him that finds this love. What does it mean to “fear” Him?  (Luke 12:4,5; Isaiah 8:13) Why do people end up not fearing Him? 

6.

Verse 19 says, “[H]is kingdom rules over all.” What does it mean? Yet, why is it that not all experience His rule in them? Why is it important to know that his kingdom rules over “all”? 

7.

Read verses 20-22. What does “do his bidding”, “obey his word”, or “in his dominion” indicate about the one who is truly qualified to give thanks to God fully and praise Him fully?