Text Study for Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Series Theme: Vision

Reading: Psalm 34:17-22

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

This weekend, we turn “back the clock” for Daylight Savings Time. What is something you fall back on in life when you need support?

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Lord of light, you have looked upon your creation and affirmed its goodness. Sharpen our vision so that we may see the world with your eyes. With your eyes there will be no stranger only the children of God waiting to be welcomed. With your eyes we will not miss the exquisite beauty present all around us that stirs our hearts and gives glory to you, in Jesus' name, amen.

CONTEXT

This sermon series and generosity appeal, VISION, will dig deep into all five of Easter’s vision statements.

live in community,

care with compassion,

worship with joy,

learn with devotion,

love with generosity

Our vision board and pastors prayerfully curated the five vision statements to faithfully guide Easter in our mission (to grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ). Focusing on the many ways we express our generosity is how we live out our vision statements at Easter, in our community, and in the world. We are stewarding God’s good gifts to us all when practice each vision. How will you practice each in your life? Join us in exploring and living out our vision statements.

From Dr Nick Schaser at EntertheBible.org:

The title of the Book of Psalms in the Hebrew Bible is “Tehillim,” which means “songs of praise.” This may seem odd for a book made up primarily of songs of lament, especially in the first part of the collection, but it reflects the fact that, fundamentally, worship in Israel was about the praise of God. Just as particular lament psalms often move finally to praise, so also does the entire Psalter. Laments characterize the first three books of psalms, praise characterizes the last two. The book itself takes the reader or pray-er from lament to praise, just as do individual psalms. Worship provides the opportunity for the person in distress to come before God in prayer, to find comfort, and to be restored to the community’s praise of God (Psalm 22:25).

LOOK AT THE BOOK

How is it with your spirit this week?
Our new series is named “Vision.” What might it mean to you to “care with compassion?”
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
This past week, 53 tenth grade students were confirmed. How would you encourage them to “care with compassion” now that they have said yes to their baptism into Christ?
Open to Psalm 34. What is the subtitle that it has been given? What questions do you have? What new information did Pastor Megan give you on this in the podcast?
How does Psalm 34:1 open? For what things might we “bless God?”
In verse 17, the beginning of our reading for worship, what is happening?
Writer Walt Wangerin said prayer is where we speak and God listens, and then, God speaks and we listen. What does verse 17 say about God’s character?
Whose “righteous cry” do you wish God would hear and act on more swiftly? Who is being forgotten today?
Compassion literally means to “suffer alongside.” How is the Easter community sharing in the sufferings of the world?
Verse 18 is good news! Say it in your own words. Who might need to hear that promise today in your own life?
Compare verse 21 and verse 22. How are they similar and different?
Why is “caring with compassion” part of the life of faith?
What is good news in this psalm for you? For our community?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

TAKING IT HOME

Lutheran Social Services care for 1 in 70 persons in the United States. Visit LSSMN.org to learn more about their wide range of care.

Sending Prayer

Loving God, by covenant promise and enduring mercy you have joined us to yourself forever, and you invite us to respond to your love with faithfulness. By your Spirit may we share your vision for the church as we share the good news of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Grow Guide | Nov 2, 2025