Psalm 23 (NRSV)
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Verse 1The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Verse 2He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;
Verse 3he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.
Verse 4Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff- they comfort me.
Verse 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Verse 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
Devotion
In a former parish where I was the pastor, there was a street that consisted of nursing homes on one side and mortuaries on the other. There were several parishioners who were residents of the nursing homes who I would go to visit. Needless to say this was a pastoral task that had an inherent ominous quality, as it seemed that I was literally walking through the valley of the shadow of death. But I went in the hope that I would have the opportunity to engage in “real” ministry, where the help I provided would be tangible. However, this hope was frustrated, as more often than not all that was requested of me was to read the 23rd Psalm. Today as I reflect upon what was hopefully my youthful arrogance, I realize that these parishioners were teaching me that the good news was that they had a shepherd—and it wasn’t me.
Prayer
Most gracious and merciful God, may we always encounter you as the shepherd who leads and guides us in the midst of any darkness that engulfs us. May your rod and staff provide the comfort that we seek. Amen.