SPEAKER_00: Today's passage is a popular psalm that you may have heard before.
SPEAKER_00: As we read it during this prayer time, let's pause and use each line to prompt our conversation with the Lord.
SPEAKER_00: First, I'm going to read the entire passage of Psalm 23, and then we'll slowly reflect on each line as we pray.
SPEAKER_00: The Lord is my shepherd.
SPEAKER_00: I lack nothing.
SPEAKER_00: He makes me lie down in green pastures.
SPEAKER_00: He leads me beside quiet waters.
SPEAKER_00: He refreshes my soul.
SPEAKER_00: He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake.
SPEAKER_00: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
SPEAKER_00: Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
SPEAKER_00: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
SPEAKER_00: You anoint my head with oil.
SPEAKER_00: My cup overflows.
SPEAKER_00: 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.
SPEAKER_00: Now let's slowly walk our way through this chapter as we respond and talk with God about the truth we read.
SPEAKER_00: The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
SPEAKER_00: God, I know that you are enough to completely satisfy me.
SPEAKER_00: Lord, I am secure when I walk with you.
SPEAKER_00: You are trustworthy, and your ways are always higher than mine.
SPEAKER_00: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
SPEAKER_00: Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
SPEAKER_00: Walking with you doesn't eliminate the hardships in this life, but it does guarantee your presence with me at all times.
SPEAKER_00: You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.
SPEAKER_00: You are the one who truly provides for me, Lord, and you give out of the abundance of your love.
SPEAKER_00: 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.
SPEAKER_00: Give me perspective, God, to understand that you offer true life and freedom.
SPEAKER_00: Thank you for being my good shepherd.
SPEAKER_00: Amen.