The valley of the shadow of death is not a detour in this psalm; the path goes straight through it. What changes is the company: you are with me. A prayer for walking the worst stretch without pretending it isn't the worst stretch.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
The prayer
Lord, I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, but I fear no evil because You are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me. Restore my soul.
Make it yours: change any words that don’t fit, or stop at the one line that’s true today.
Amen can wait until you mean it.
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