Scripture – Psalm 23 NRSVUE
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
From Rosslyn Bentley
There is a reason this Psalm is so well known: it is incredibly beautiful as it speaks of the inspiration and comfort of Gods love. Although often used at funerals, for me it isn’t a sad reminder but an incredible inspiration. Like a talisman to be held close when the heaviness of the world obscures the light.
While King David began life as a shepherd he is inspired to great things by God: his defeat of Goliath, his coming to Kingship, his praise of God in beautiful Psalms. He is also human and has many missteps and trials. The Psalm feels very personal and speaks eloquently of the relationship with a warm and caring God. The Psalm can fill us with the joy that only the promise of God’s love can bring. Like a warm blanket on a cold night, like a suit of armour in a battle, like a shepherds caring hand and protecting staff. Who doesn’t want that promise of someone to guide and comfort, to protect and lead with dignity and wisdom?
Psalm 23 is powerful because it translates the immense, abstract concept of God into the intimate, deeply personal image of a shepherd. Written in the present tense, it shifts fear into profound security by promising constant care, physical and spiritual restoration, and fearless navigation through life's darkest moments.
It doesn’t hurt that there are so many beautiful versions to sing: one of my favourites is by John Rutter which features not just a choir but an oboe that weaves between the voices and soars above like the promise of the Psalm– here is a link to enjoy a lovely version on You Tube by the Cambridge Singers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COiQRI4dUjE listen and be inspired by.
Contemplation and Conversation
Where do you take comfort from Gods presence? How does the Lord provide you with care and how does that make you feel?
Prayer
Gracious God,
in love You open wide the doors
and welcome us into Your presence—
saints and sinners alike.
You spread a table before us,
filled with the richest fare—
a feast of love and mercy
for the body and soul.
We come with joy to meet You here,
to eat and drink at Your table,
to taste and see Your goodness,
to celebrate Your grace and mercy in our lives.
May Your Spirit inspire our praise and thanksgiving,
our prayers and petitions
as we worship together in Your presence.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our host and Lord,
Amen.
https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/09/opening-prayer-matthew-22-1-14.html
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