Psalm 23
April 21, 2024
Our heavenly Shepherd,
What a privilege it is to be led by you … for with you we have no wants.
And that’s not to say we don’t have any needs or desires at all — for you invite us to ask for our daily bread – but in your presence the things of this world grow strangely dim.
And we know, because you are a good shepherd, that you know our own needs better than we do.
Forgive us Father, for thinking we know better than the good shepherd.
Make us lay down in the garden of your gospel and let us rest our head on the imminence, presence, and power of your person.
Let us hear the peaceful stream of living water coming from you and give us a cup to drink from it.
Renew our strength, Lord … for we all like sheep go astray, we lose our way, and we lie down in exhaustion from our own stupidity and sinfulness.
Lord, for the sake of your name, not so that we might boast of our good works, but for the sake of your name and the joy of your sheep — lead us down paths of righteousness.
And let us not forget the path of righteousness can turn dark and frightening, for you allow us to feel the shadows of sin and death so that we might mortify our sin and walk all the more closely with you.
For next to you, Lord … what in the world is there to fear? Your presence is a constant, abiding comfort to us … for our strong shepherd, like David, “When there comes a lion, or a bear, and takes a lamb from your flock, you go after him and strike him and deliver us out of his mouth. And if this murderer rises against you, you catch him by the neck and kill him.
Indeed, you make these enemies of ours watch as you prepare a banquet for us, you annoint these precious sheep of yours with oil … and our cups of blessing overflow.
Indeed, Lord, with you leading us and pursuing us, we know that the embodiment of goodness, mercy, and lovingkindness is with us…
And a day is coming where we will dwell in your house forever and ever.
Until that day comes, Lord, be our ever-present, strong shepherd.
Be with your sheep who are in Duluth right now for District Blitz. Be with Jennifer and Justin as they teach your word from Romans to students who know you already as their shepherd and especially to those who currently sheep without a shepherd.
Bring to life in them your word, your grace, your kindness, and goodness, and be with Jennifer as she leads her afternoon session.
Be with your sheep Lord in Asia … who are our global partners and who minister in various parts of the continent. Encourage them, strengthen them, and be specifically with Carey that she would finish her teaching course strongly.
Lord, we thank you that you are our shepherd … help us to follow you and your Spirit now as we come into the book of Acts…
We pray this in the name of Jesus and all God’s people said … AMEN.