Table of Contents
PRAYER
Our main goal in this time together is to build relationships and learn to walk alongside one another in all that God has called us to be and do. Let’s start by praying for each other.
Does anyone have prayer requests or personal stories of how God has been moving in your life that we can celebrate together?
A PRAYER FOR THE PSALMS AND HOPE
Self :: Family :: Community of Faith :: Neighborhood :: City
THIS WEEK
Today, we’re kicking off a new series called A Prayer For The Psalms and Hope, where we’ll dive into the book of Psalms to learn not just what to pray, but how to pray. The Psalms reveal a raw, authentic, and passionate love for God’s presence while expressing His heart for the brokenness in the world around us.
Over the next six weeks, we’ll journey together, growing in a life of prayer and seeking God’s Kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
A Prayer for the City explores Psalm 46 and how it reminds us of the Almighty God and his heart, telling us to write a story of redemption that flows from Him, through him, and into our lives and cities to become cities of hope, not despair. Let’s discuss truths and practices of how praying for our city can shift its identity from a cursed brokenness to a blessing of wholeness.
To start our time together, let’s begin with the following questions:
If someone visited Fort Worth for the first time, where would you take them to experience its heart and character?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
SCRIPTURE
Have someone read Psalm 46 aloud. As you listen, notice any words or phrases that stand out, and ask the Holy Spirit to highlight something for you.
Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
What can prevent a city from taking on the troubling identities of sin?
Becoming A City of Presence
In Psalm 46:1-3, the psalmist declares God as “a very present help in trouble” and reminds us, “we will not fear though the earth gives way.” True security isn’t found in earthly structures or human wisdom but in the unshakable presence of Jesus. When a people are centered on Christ, their city reflects His stability and peace.
When you think about Fort Worth (or your city), what good things is it known for and what bad things is it known for?
What are the biggest fears cities like Fort Worth face today, and where do people typically look for security?
If a city without God’s presence is “adrift,” what do you think anchors a city and its people? What keeps cities from losing their sense of purpose and security?
How do different worldviews define true security? How does Psalm 46 contrast with how our culture often seeks stability?
If a city’s foundation is built on “the unshakable presence of Jesus,” what does that look like in real, everyday life?
How do personal and collective actions contribute to the spiritual well-being of a city? Do you think small acts, like daily prayers, can impact a city?
Becoming A City of Peace
Psalm 46:8-11 calls us to “behold the works of the Lord”—a God who breaks weapons and ends wars. True peace doesn’t come from nations elevating themselves, but from Jesus being exalted among them. From Zion to every city on earth, His presence alone brings lasting peace.
When you hear the phrase “Be still and know that I am God,” what comes to mind?
How does its original meaning in Psalm 46 challenge or deepen that understanding?
In a world full of conflict and division, what do you think true peace looks like? Is peace just the absence of war, or is there something deeper?
How do people typically seek peace in their lives—through success, relationships, security? How does this compare to the peace that Psalm 46 and Isaiah 2 describe?
What are some barriers that keep people and cities from experiencing true peace? How can individuals contribute to making their city a place of peace?
What would it look like for a city—like Fort Worth—to embody that kind of peace today?
How might living in God’s presence shape the way we seek peace for the city?
Decide to Play
Deciding to play in the work of loving good and rejecting evil is more than just a passive hope—it’s an intentional way of life. King David’s words remind us that being faithful neighbors requires daily commitment. We must decide to do our part in seeing the image of God in those around us, to serve good rather than exploit evil, and to peruse communities rooted in mercy and justice.
What societal systems today contribute to deceit and injustice, and how can you, as a neighbor, actively work toward loving good and rejecting evil?
Who are the “faithful in the land” (Psalm 101:6) in your life—those who model integrity and righteousness? How have they played a part in influencing you to love good and reject evil?
In what ways do song, prayer, and Bible reading shape you to love neighbors and neighborhoods similar to the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10?
In what ways have you seen neighbors serve their communities in ways that truly reflect Jesus’ mercy and justice?
How does Jesus’s life, teachings, death, burial and resurrection challenge or affirm your understanding of what it means to be and play your part as a neighbor?
CLOSING THOUGHT
As we conclude, let’s not forget that our faith journey is about growing in prayer and community with God and one another.
A Prayer For The Psalms and Hope invites us to reflect on how we can connect to the heart of God and His will for us, our families, our faith community, our neighborhood, our city, and our nation.
May Psalm 46 be the prayer that we pray for city daily in our call to anchor Fort Worth in God’s unshakable presence, reflect His provision and peace, and restore hope in broken places. Let’s commit to walking in His ways, praying for the city, and being vessels of His transformation. Together, we can make a lasting difference praying God’s heart of Psalm 46.
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for this time to grow in prayer and community. Help us remain faithful in praying for our city and reflecting God’s presence, provision, and peace. May we be vessels of transformation, sharing Your love and hope we have in Jesus. Anchor us, God, in Your unshakable presence and empower us to bring life to those around us. We commit to following Your ways and trusting You to make a lasting difference. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Alvin Brown, the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church Fort Worth, brings over a decade of pastoral ministry experience and more than 20 years of operational and technical leadership expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications Management from DeVry University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Mallary, and their three children and contributing as a writer to various media outlets.
