Praying with Psalm 23

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

He restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil. For you are with me;

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalm 23.

In the midst of turmoil and uncertainty, it’s so easy for fear and anxiety to fill our thoughts. If you’re watching too much news and worrying about loved ones or the next trip to a half empty supermarket, NOW is the time to stop and come before our Father in heaven.

Stop and read Psalm 23. Read it aloud if you can. Listen again to the beautiful language and allow the peace it brings to sink right into the centre of your being.

Turn it to prayer.

Thank you Father that you’re watching over me and providing for me.

Thank you, that in the face of fear and panic, you restore my soul.

You are greater than any virus. I will fear no evil.

You are my comfort and support. You provide all my needs and you cherish me.

Thank you that you’ve promised never to leave or forsake me.

Praise and worship and thanksgiving will change the spiritual atmosphere around us. If you’re feeling low in spirit, all the more reason to pray and praise.

Praise and worship doesn’t have to be noisy and exuberant. This psalm is so still and quiet and yet so powerful. Sometimes we have to dig very deep…and it’s sacrificial but God knows our hearts and he loves it when we turn to him.