Chapter Summary

Prayer for God's favorable acceptance and powerful assistance.

Discussion Questions for Psalms, Chapter 141

1. Read through the entire psalm. What do you think David's main request to God is? Why do you think so?
2. In verse 1, David asks God to hear his cries. Is it necessary for us to cry out to God in such a way so that he will listen? Why or why not? If not, why is David's request still an example to follow?
3. What does David compare his prayers to in verse 2? Do you think this comparison could be made with believers' prayers now? Why or why not?
4. Consider how David asks God to "set a guard" over his mouth (ESV). Have you ever done this in your own life? If so, how did God answer this prayer?
5. What does verse 4 teach us about the power of prayer over temptation? Discuss how praying this would aid in temptations in your own life.
6. Is the rebuke of a "righteous man" good or evil? (ESV) What are practical ways to make space for righteous believers to speak wisdom in your life?
7. David prays specifically that God would help him to be open to the wisdom of righteous men. Do you see this happen often in the world today? If not, what do you see instead? How might we encourage believers to follow David's example here?
8. How does David ask God to protect him from evildoers? Does this imply it is right to ask God for safety and protection? Why or why not?
9. Consider how the evildoers in this Psalm seek to lead David astray. Do you think he would be capable of resisting them without the aid of God? Why or why not? Do we more often trust in God or ourselves for protection against evil? Why do you think this is?
10. Why do you think that believers often neglect asking God for help in resisting sin? Do you believe this is intentional or unintentional? What does this psalm teach us about God's desire for our attitude towards sin to be?

Key Words/Phrase

Keeping, v. 9.

Characters

God, David.

Strong Verse(s)

3, 8.