1. Who is the author and what is the opening line? What poetic illustration is given? (1) How does the author continue the illustration of danger of nearly drowning in verse 2? What is David portraying? How might this be like being in the grave (consider what water baptism represents? (Romans 6:4 Colossians 2:12, 1 Peter 3:21) How long and passionately has David been praying? (3)
2. What are some of the specifics of David's problems? (4) How are "without reason", "Wwithout cause", and "rationalization" the same? What is their intent? Consider Cain and Able. What do his enemies want and how did they get it? (4) What does David realize and confess? When was a time that David tried to cover up his sin, but God exposed it to everyone? (2 Samuel 11-12)
3. What was David concerned would happen because he sinned and his sin was exposed? (6) What does he ask God to do? How does our decisions affect others whether are believe in God or not? How would his enemies response be a discouragement to others who seek the Lord? (7) Did his family accept him? Did they disown him? Why? (9) How does John relate this to Jesus? (John 2:17)
4. When David was down in spirit and seeking God did he find comfort from others? (10) What did it mean to put on sackcloth in those days? What does it mean that people made sport of him? (11) What kind of people sat at the gate? What kind of songs do drunk people sing?
II. Come Near and Rescue Me (69:13-21)
5. Did David give up and stop praying? Why? (13) What was he sure of? Is verses 13-15 a repeat of verses 1-3? What does this say of David's faith in God? What is David portraying once again? How might this be like being in the grave (consider what water baptism represents)? (Romans 6:4 Colossians 2:12, 1 Peter 3:21)
6. Was it right for David to continue begging God over and over again for the same thing? Were there anyone who kept asking Jesus for the same thing? What does it mean that God hides his face? Why might David need a quick answer? (2 Samuel 12:13-19) As David aged, who were some of his foes? Who was Jesus' foes? Was there ever a time that all his enemies were before him, or a group of enemies were before him at once? Did this happen to Jesus?
7. Might verse 20 not only refer to David, but Jesus too? Consider where the gospel writers place verse 21. How does that help in understanding this psalm? In applying it to our lives?
III. Summon Your Power (69:22-36)
8. Consider where Apostle Paul placed the meaning of verse 22. How does that help in understanding this psalm? In applying it to our lives? Consider where Apostle Paul placed the meaning of verse 23. How does that help in understanding this psalm? In applying it to our lives? What does David ask? How does such a prayer align with Jesus' words in Matthew 23:13-39?
9. Who wounds who and how does that apply to David in this psalm? Who persecutes who and how does that apply to David in this psalm? How do these apply to Jesus? What else does David ask? What is the book of life? Why is it important that they not be listed with the righteous?
10. What does David ask again? What does he promise? What does he know is most important to God? How will the poor respond?
11. Who does the Lord hear? Why them? Why is it important to know he does not despise the captive? (33) Who is summoned to praise the Lord? Why? (35) Who will dwell in Zion and Judah? What is this prophecy about? (Revelation 3:12, 21:2)
