Tonight's prayer has several parts:
(1) I listen to the Lord speak in the scriptures
(2) I respond to the word I've heard
(3) The Lord answers my prayer!
(4) I speak to the Lord once again..
Even when I walk through a dark valley,
I fear no harm for you are at my side,
with your crook and your staff you give me courage...
- Psalm 23
with your crook and your staff you give me courage...
- Psalm 23
Even when I walk through a dark valley...
Is that right, Lord?
Even in the dark?
- even when I can't see where I am?
or where I'm going?
- when I can't find my way
- when I can't find my way
and I can't find you?
- even when I'm not sure
how I ended up here in the first place?
Even when I walk through a valley of fear?
- when I stumble through clouds of confusion?
- when the path leads me deep
- when the path leads me deep
into lonely woods?
- w hen I walk through a valley
so shadowed and deep
I lose sight of my trust and my hope?
- when I'm scared and alone
when I'm lost and confused?
- when I wonder and worry
- when I wonder and worry
that you've left my side...
Even then, Lord?
And the Lord answers...
Yes, even then! Especially then!
Even then I promise I'm with you
- though you don't see my face or hear my voice,
- though you may not feel my hand warming yours,
- though you earnestly seek but somehow miss me...
Even then, I'm right by your side:
- the flicker of hope alive in your soul
- the glimmer of grace in your heart of hearts
- the spark of the Spirit's fire and warmth
- the torch that shines on your shadowed path
- the light in the tunnel leading to peace...
Trust that I'm with you when you can't find me,
trust you have strength surpassing your own...
Trust in my light when all is in darkness:
- trust in my light come into the world,
a light the night cannot overcome
- trust in my light come into your heart,
a light that glistens in all your tears
- trust in my light come into your soul,
a flame my Spirit will tend with care
- trust in my light come into your mind
to illumine your thoughts
with wisdom and grace
- trust in my light come into your life
to lead you and guide you
and bring you home...
I respond to the Lord...
From my dark valley, Lord - hear my prayer:
- my cry for your protection
- my plea for consolation
- my need for light and warmth
- my prayer joy to fill my heart...
You're with me, Lord, my shepherd,
even and especially
when I'm lost and feel alone...
I trust you're always by my side
to calm my fears
and wipe my tears away,
to light my path and draw me
ever closer to your side...
Even now, Lord,
wherever be my valley,
however deep the darkness,
even now, this very night
you're my shepherd
and you'll help me find the way...
Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake
and watch over me while I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
Psalm 23 by Bobby McFerren
performed by The Stellar Singers
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He makes me lie down in green meadows,
Beside the still waters he will lead.
He restores my soul, he rights my wrongs,
He leads me in a path of good things,
And fills my heart with song.
Even though I walk through a dark and dreary land,
There is nothing that can shake me,
He has said he won't forsake me,
I'm in his hand.
He sets a table before me in the presence of my foe,
He anoints my head with oil,
And my cup overflows.
Surely, surely goodness and kindness will follow me,
All the days of my life,
And I will live in his house,
Forever, forever and ever.
Glory be to our Father, and Brother,
And to the Holy of Holies,
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
Life, without end. Amen.
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