Here, we apply our Family Worship structure to Psalm 1. It is not exhaustive, since the idea is to give you a loose practical overview. You could easily break the passage into two different discussions, but be sure that you connect the dots. Help your kids remember that the verses are part of the chapter as a whole. Be as specific as possible during the application. Take the suggestions and apply them directly.

PSALM 1: THE TWO WAYS

1. “How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers!
2. Instead, his delight is in the LORD’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night 3. He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 4. The wicked are not like this; instead, they are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5. Therefore the wicked will not stand up in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.”

Read through the passage with your kids.

• If your kids are old enough, consider having them read a verse aloud.
• When you read, be animated. Think about how you read storybooks to your kids.
• Pause when pertinent to explain words

Discuss the passage’s meaning.

• Pick out important words to define.
  • Happy, advice, mockers, delight, meditate, chaff, etc.
  • ASK your kids what they think a word means BEFORE you define it.
  • You don’t need to define ALL the words

• Talk about each verse individually.
  • Connect the separate ideas in verses.
    • What does it mean to delight in the Lord’s instruction?
    • What does it mean to meditate on the Lord’s instruction
    • What does it mean to meditate “day and night?
    • What does it mean for the wicked to be “like chaff”

• What is the main point of each verse?
  • Verse 2 (Happiness is found in treasuring God’s word)
  • Verse 3 (The way of righteousness leads to prosperity.)
  • Verse 5 (Wickedness will be judged)
  • ETC.

• Connect the verses.
  • Verses 1/6 serve as bookends for the passage.
  • Verses 1-3 describe the way of righteousness. Verses 4-5 contrast it with the way of wickedness.

Discuss the Big Picture (Connect this passage to Scripture as a whole)

• What does this passage teach us about God? Scripture? Our need for Jesus?
  • God’s word is perfect.
  • This abundant life is only found in Christ.
  • Living according to His word will bring prosperity
    • CLARIFY this isn’t the prosperity gospel if your kids are older
  • Scripture brings life to those who meditate on it.
  • God is watching over His people.
    
• How does this passage talk about the gospel?
  • The only one who truly walked in righteousness was Christ. It is only because of His righteousness given to us that we can experience the life talked about in verses one through three.
  • We ALL walked in sin. We were all destined for the ruin that awaits the wicked. Yet God, in His mercy, has saved us.

• Does this remind you of other passages in Scripture?
  • Psalm 119
  • Psalm 19:7-11
  • ETC.
    

Application – Make this specific both to your kids and yourselves.

• Start by reinforcing the gospel during application.
  • Gratitude for God’s love which was revealed through Christ.
    
• What does this passage command?
  • to meditate on God’s word….Talk about How we meditate and treasure God’s word
    
• What does the passage prohibit?
  • walking in sin…unpack what this looks like
    
• What can we, as a family, do differently to obey God’s Word?