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The beginning of Psalm 37 sounds very much like someone wise giving a list of advice of how to live for God. This setting is therefore set out as half of the congregation giving advice to the other half. Designate everyone into group 1 and group 2 (if you would like to change this to another way of dividing; by age, gender, physical position in church and so on, then make that clear in your directions). Explain that you will read these pieces of advice to each other, and respond by committing to 'Let's live God's way!'.

There is a PowerPoint available so you can project the words. You can also download a PDF to get an easily printed version. I am using the New Living Translation here.


Psalm 37:1-9

Group 1: Don't worry about the wicked
or envy those who do wrong.
For like grass, they soon fade away.
Like spring flowers, they soon wither.
 
Group 2: Let's live God's way!
 
Group 2: Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart's desires.
 
Group 1: Let's live God's way!
 
Group 1: Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine
like the noonday sun.
 
Group 2: Let's live God's way!
 
Group 2: Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
 
Group 1: Let's live God's way!
 
Group 1: Stop being angry!
Turn from your rage!
Do not lose your temper—
it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.
 
Group 2: Let's live God's way!
 
All: Trust in the Lord and do good. Amen.