NIGHT PRAYER: Thursday 3/16

I met with my retreat director last night and he suggested I might take a look at Psalm 23 - but read it in the first person:  "I am your shepherd, Austin, and nothing shall you want..."  Well, I did just that and in rephrasing the psalm I found a whole new level of depth and meaning. Leaving the name blank so that you can insert yours and pray with this text, here's how I rephrased the scripture:

 

    I'm your shepherd, _________

        and so you'll want for nothing.

 

    In fresh, green pastures I give you rest

        and near peaceful waters I lead you

    to lift up your spirits

        when you're feeling down.

 

    I always guide you along the right path

        because I'm true to my name.

 

    If you find yourself in a dark valley, don't be afraid: 

        I'm there with my crook and my staff

            and with these I comfort and care for you.

 

    When you're restless or disappointed,

        or when nothing seems to be going your way,

    it's then I prepare a banquet for you,

        anoint your head with the oil of gladness

            and I fill your cup to overflowing.

 

    Only goodness and kindness follow you, _________

        all the days of your life

    and my house is always your house,

        now and for ever.    Amen.

 

The first benefit of praying Psalm 23 this way is how I'm reminded 

that yes, the Lord is the shepherd of all - but also my own shepherd, a

shepherd personally and intimately desiring that I want for nothing I

truly need and that goodness and kindness follow me every day of my

life.  And that leads me to wonder, to pray, how the Lord is presently

shepherding me in ways I've missed or don't yet see or understand...

For example: is the valley I'm in so dark that I've closed my eyes to the

light of Christ leading and  guiding me with his shepherd's crook to 

green meadows and peace and peaceful waters?

    How is Jesus my shepherd when I'm feeling sad and confused?

    How is Jesus my shepherd when I'm feeling lost and alone?

    How is Jesus my shepherd when I'm longing for comfort and care?

I'm sure I'll be praying with these words while on retreat here - and

for the rest of Lent - and beyond...  

 

Perhaps this prayer will help you, too, discover when and how and 

where Jesus is shepherding you...

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.

 

I didn't expect to find a setting of Psalm 23 in the first person -

but I did! 

 

I Am the Good Shepherd by John Michael Talbot

If a video doesn't appear below, click here!

 

 

 

    Jesus Carrying Lost Sheep by Melani Pyke

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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