Psalm 23 Prayers

Psalm 23 has become one of my main Bible life lines.  It isn’t just a Psalm for a funeral recitation.  When depression, anxiety, illness, or other “enemies” attack me, reciting and praying this Psalm has proven reliable to help me in time of need.  I hope it might be a help to someone else. My prayers are in italics below.  I pray these prayers for myself and for any readers of this blog–may God draw us near to Himself through His precious Word, the Bible.

 Jesus Is My Good Shepherd. 

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  Thank you Jesus for being my Shepherd. I know you will provide for me.  I choose to be content.  I am okay and blessed. 

Jesus makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.  He restores my soul.  Show me when and where to lie down and rest.  Thank you for leading me to quiet tranquil places where I can connect with You.  Please restore my soul from all the wounds, hurts and abuses of my life. 

Jesus guides me in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.  I know You are guiding me in right paths.  Please guide me to my life path and life work for Your Name’s sake– for Your glory and honor. 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  No matter how bad circumstances may get, help me to never fear any evil.  Help me always remember You are with me.  Help me find comfort and strength in Your discipline and guidance.  

Jesus Is My Good Host Forever.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Thank you for the many blessings You’ve showered on me, even in the presence of my enemy satan, the world’s evil, and my own old sinful nature.  Help me receive Your beautiful anointing.  Help my heart to overflow with Your joy.  Help me to be able to really sense and feel Your presence, but even if I can’t, help me have faith that You are with me and that You are caring for me. 

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.  I know Your goodness and mercy will always follow me and be with me–every day You give me life.  Help me rejoice in this, no matter how I may be feeling.  Help me remember that my life with You is a precious gift and trust. 

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  Thank you for the promise and sure hope of my eternal life with You.  I know I will live with You God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Triune God– forever and ever–in a place more beautiful and better than I can imagine.  Remind me that this world and present life is not all there is.  A better day is coming!