Psalm 23
July 13, 2025 Lord, I pray that you would stir us this morning as we look at this Psalm which many of us love. That you would stretch our imaginations to impart and embrace our understanding and depth of this text making the familiar more valued and alive in our hearts. Your kingdom is widely available to all those who seek it. Help us enter into eternal living here and now, and help us keep it fresh in our minds this week as we consider these truths in greater detail.
Father you are our constant companion. There is no need you can not fulfill. You are ever present, close at hand, providing sustenance, and meeting daily needs, often before we even recognize our hunger and thirst. The things we typical fear are not valid. The only legitimate fear we have is the fear of disconnecting with You.
We are grateful and want to thank you for the generous ways you shepherd us in our weakness even carrying us, as you bring us to places of safety. Thank you for restoring our souls. For treating us better than we deserve.
And even after maturing and being more grounded we acknowledge that our strength and vigor are still contingent/dependent on you as our greater king and on your abiding love and faithfulness. Thank you that we can lean on you when darkness enters our lives. And that in the face of danger and even death you are close beside us touching us with eternal joy.
We pray especially for Joy and Jan, Carolyne’s daughters and their families as they mourn Carolyne’s passing and now have just memories of her life. Renew their strength. Comfort them. Give them hope. And uphold them this day.
And we pray for our Global Partners working in south east Asia knowing they face difficulties that stretch their faith. We pray that you would embrace them and build their confidence in your faithfulness. Surprise them today with something that reminds them of your abundant goodness.
Thank You for Your unfailing presence in every chapter of our lives.
We pray these things in the name of our Shepherd, our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ,
Amen.