Psalm 23 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 23 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Verse 2He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;
Verse 3he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.
Verse 4Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff- they comfort me.
Verse 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Verse 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
Devotion
This beloved psalm is a quiet testimony to God’s graciousness and God’s constant presence in our lives. God is the shepherd who will not let anything happen to us; God is the generous host giving us blessings upon blessings; God is beside us in everything we do and experience, even death. We have no need to fear anything because God is with us.
This is one psalm that we would be wise to commit to memory. It is a prayer for comfort and support. It is a hymn for those times we are filled with awe and wonder and just want to give God thanks! It is a worthy catechism to describe God, the subject of our faith and devotion. It also teaches us how to live in faith. What a treasure!
Prayer
Our Good Shepherd, we give you thanks for your guidance and protection. Thank you for the verdant pastures and abundant food. Thank you for walking with me every step of my life. Help me to live in this thankfulness so that I can serve you joyfully and faithfully. Amen.
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