Bible Study Notes 11/25/2025

WORD ALIVE! BIBLE STUDY ^©2025

Journey in the Psalms: Prayer, Praise and Promise

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton – Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Quiet Time: Tracy M. Summer, Psalms: An All-In-One Study on God’s Song BookLesson 30 (Final) | 25 Nov.  2025

Lesson 30, Psalm 143:1-12 NLT: The final psalm in this study is attributed to David. The language in the psalm is consistent with others where there are petitions to be heard by God. The language is part of a pattern of prayers for personal forgiveness and restoration. These prayers are called penitential, because the petitioner is honest about their sins and human struggle. There often is heard language, which suggests some deep emotional turmoil. Confession is not always easy, but it is necessary for our relationship with God and complete state of being. We note the transparency of David in detailing his feelings and pain – and a belief that God who helped him in previous times, will come to his aid now. He desires justice for the enemies who brought harm to him, but he also seeks God’s help in leading him in the right path. David says resolutely, “May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.” (Ps. 143:10b, NLT)

Verses & Explanations for Psalm 143:1-12, NLT:

Observe         Interpret     Apply

(Verses 1-2) – A plea to be heard by God.

(Verses 3-4) – Being transparent in a crisis.

(Verses 5-6) – Remembering God’s past works.

(Verse 7) – A desperate plea for help.

(Verse 8) – God’s loving guidance.

(Verse 9) – A petition to God for rescue from evil doers.

(Verse 10) – Seeking to learn God’s will for life.

(Verses 11-12) – A petition for renewal and rescue.

Key Verses:

Psalm 143:1-2, NLT

¹ “Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. ² Don’t put your servant on trial, for no one is innocent before you.

Psalm 143:3-4, NLT

³ My enemy has chased me. He has knocked me to the ground and forced me to live in darkness like those in the grave. ⁴  I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear.

Psalm 143:5-6, NLT

⁵ I remember the day of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. ⁶ I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

Psalm 143:7, NLT

⁷ Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die.

Psalm 143:8, NLT

⁸ Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.

Psalm 143:9, NLT

⁹ Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me.

Psalm 143:10, NLT

¹⁰ Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on firm footing.

Psalm 143:11-12, NLT

¹¹ For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress. ¹² In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.”

Further Reading:

Psalm 116:1-2, NKJV

¹ “I love the Lord because He has heard my supplications. ² Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.”

Psalm 85:6, NKJV

⁶ Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in You?”

James 1:5, NLT

⁵ If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”

The Key Idea:

What We Believe!    

1. "Your word is a lamp to my feet  and a light to my path!” – Psalm 119:105