Chapter Summary

Complaint of great distresses and dangers and prayer that persecutors might be reckoned with.

Discussion Questions for Psalms, Chapter 143

1. According to verse 1, why is David confident that God will hear and answer his "pleas for mercy"? (ESV) Consider these characteristics of God. How have you witnessed them in your own life, and what reassurance does this bring to you when you pray?
2. Contemplate David's words in verse 2: "no one living is righteous before you" (ESV). Is this a comforting thought? Why or why not? How does the gospel change that?
3. In verses 3 and 4, David describes a season of desolation in which his very soul despairs. Have you experienced a season like this before? What about a loved one? How did it feel to walk through that season?
4. In the face of despair, what does David do which brings him comfort? How might suffering believers practically apply this to their own lives?
5. Has your soul ever "thirsted for" God? Describe this experience? How did God then fulfill your desire for him?
6. Notice where David speaks of the "steadfast love" of God (ESV). What does it mean that God's love is "steadfast"? How is this different from the love we often see in the world today?
7. What requests does David make of God in verses 9-11? Are they just pleas for deliverance, or something more? Why might this matter to God?
8. For what purpose does David ask his life to be saved in verse 11? Does your prayer life reflect the truth that everything exists for God's glory? Why or why not? How might considering this change the way that you pray?
9. What does David label himself as in relation to God in verse 12? How might even king embody this behavior towards the Lord?
10. Does God desire us to pray to him only in times of trouble? Why or why not? What parts of this psalm make you think so?

Key Words/Phrase

Overwhelmed, v. 4.

Characters

God, David.

Strong Verse(s)

8, 10.