The 23rd Psalm

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Heavenly Father,
Teach me to find complete contentment in you and you alone. You have given me all that I need and much of what I want. Steer my heart away from finding contentment in the things of this world, and draw me to my knees so that I may be content in your presence.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me besides still waters.”

I find my rest in you, Jesus. The pressures of this life weigh heavily upon me, but you cause me to lie down in green pastures. You bring rest to my soul. When the waters are raging around me and the waves rise high threatening to overwhelm me, remind me of the promises in your Word. When I’m weary, you promise rest when I come to you.

“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

You are the rebuilder and restorer of all things broken. I offer to you my brokenness. Jesus, restore my soul. As you lead me by your Spirit, help me to follow you trusting that where you lead is good. Help me to know you as the one who restores. I will choose to walk in righteousness, not for my own sake, but for your name’s sake that I might bring you glory.

“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 have not given me a spirit of fear, so help me to overcome fear when it comes my way. No matter what I might face today or tomorrow, I know that you go with me, so I need not be afraid. Your presence will comfort me. Help me to trust in the reality of your continuous presence, even when I don’t feel it because your Word promises me that you will be with me.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

You are the God who provides, and you daily fill my cup when I lift it to you. Despite my circumstance, joy can still be my reality because you delight in filling me with your joy. Make me increasingly aware of all that you have provided for me, so that I may in turn offer you the praise that is due to your name.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

Increase my desire to be in your presence and to dwell in your house. Grant me an eternal perspective so that I long to be with you and cling less and less to this world.
In Jesus’ name
Amen

1. In your own words, journal a prayer of Psalm 23, verse by verse (like I did above). Pray God’s Word right back to Him.

2. Pray your prayer over someone you know, whoever the Lord lays on your heart.