A familiar friend

Fiona Reynolds March 19, 2023 1 0

Playlists

Add to Favourites

Save for later

Listen to this daily worship

Psalm 23 (KJV)

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Along with the Lord’s Prayer, the 23rd Psalm is probably the most well-known piece of Scripture on the planet. It is the go-to passage for millions of Christians and speaks into so many aspects of our own lives, as well as the enduring goodness of God. Perhaps that is why it captures our imaginations: so much of human life and divine identity is beautifully summed up in a just a few verses.

But, like the Lord’s Prayer, there might be times when it becomes too familiar. We might stop reflecting on the words as we speak them. Or, if we use it as a vehicle to contemplative prayer, our minds might start wandering towards to-do lists rather than eternal love. With such familiar words and images, it is good to pause now and again to ponder anew the treasures we might unearth from its depths.

PRAYER:

Gracious Shepherd,

your goodness surrounds us in all moments of life;

so much so that it can be hard to see,

difficult to acknowledge,

a challenge to gratitude.

May you speak afresh to us in well-loved words,

well-trod paths,

well-kent sites,

as we seek to grow deeper in our understanding of you,

with us,

before us,

beside us,

all the days of our lives, AMEN.