Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd. The whole psalm, with a short prayer for each verse.

A psalm of David.

Verse 1, New International Version: The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

King James: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Verse 2, New International Version: He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

King James: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Verse 3, New International Version: he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

King James: He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Verse 4, New International Version: 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.

King James: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Verse 5, New International Version: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

King James: Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Verse 6, New International Version: 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.

King James: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

About this psalm

Psalm 23 is headed “A psalm of David,” and David kept his father’s sheep before he was king (1 Samuel 16:11; 17:15). Partway through, it turns into a prayer: it starts out talking about God, “he makes me lie down,” and at the darkest valley it starts talking to God, “you are with me.” It does not promise there will be no valley, or that the valley will be short. It promises company in it, a table set even with enemies in sight, and a home with God that lasts.

A prayer for each verse

Pray one a night, or all six at once. Change any words that don’t fit.

Verse 1: The Lord is my shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. Psalm 23:1 (NIV)

Lord, You are my shepherd. Tonight I feel everything I am missing, and I can tell You so. You have not left me on my own. Give me what I need for tonight, and keep watch over me while I sleep, the way a shepherd keeps watch over the sheep at night.

Verse 2: Beside quiet waters

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, Psalm 23:2 (NIV)

Lord, You make me lie down, and tonight I need You to, because I cannot quiet myself. Lead me beside quiet waters. Slow my breathing and my thoughts until I can rest near You.

Verse 3: He refreshes my soul

he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3 (NIV)

Lord, my soul is worn thin. Refresh it while I sleep. I do not know the right path for tomorrow, and I do not have to know it tonight. Guide me for Your name’s sake, not because I have it worked out.

Verse 4: Through the darkest valley

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)

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.

This prayer in the library

Verse 5: A table before me

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5 (NIV)

Lord, You set a table for me even here, with the hard things still in sight. You do not wait until everything is fixed to feed me. You welcome me like an honored guest and fill my cup. Tonight, help me take what You give, even if I can only take a little.

Verse 6: Goodness and love will follow me

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. Psalm 23:6 (NIV)

Lord, Your goodness and love follow me, even on the days I cannot see them. Whatever tomorrow holds, I belong to You. My home is with You, all the days of my life and after.