Prayer and Meditation B – Psalm 23.

Introduction. The elements of Psalm 23 are presented as subjects to think about and meditate on and pray accordingly.
- I plan to add further thoughts as I meditate and pray through the outline and welcome any comments and suggestions.

Psalm 23 Outline. – (updated 12 August 2009)

I believe this psalm is most descriptive of our personal relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

- It is set in the first person throughout.
- Each heading is a blessing to be thankful for.

1. Oh Lord you are my Shepherd.

- Thank you for the opportunity to be one of your sheep, called and chosen from the world to live in the world, but not to be of the world. How great it is to know and be cared for by the Good Shepherd, the Son of God, who actually created the whole universe.
- More than that we are called to be your friends and to believe and obey your voice. Because of your sacrifice and resurrection we have been reconciled to God the Father and are at one with you, and can think on the same wave length – because of the Holy Spirit. We also are your children and can grow to have a closer relationship with you and become like kindred spirits – while remaining submissive to you in proper respect.

2. I shall not be in want.

- You are the most generous provider of all my needs. (Give us this day our daily bread comes to mind. We can pray through our personal prayer list here such as; for governments to give freedom and peace for Christians to preach the gospel, for family and for friends in need. )

3. You make me to lie down in green pastures and lead me beside still waters.

- I have many blessings to be thankful for – both physical and spiritual.
- As sheep look to their shepherd for their sustenance and security, so children look to their parents. I remember how comforting it was to be at home with my parents and I confess I took it for granted. I didn’t express thanks to them enough while they were with me.

4. You restore my soul (you give me a spiritual life).

- Most of all you restore mankind’s relationship with God, which was broken in the Garden of Eden. Personally, you have started a relationship with me for which I will be forever grateful. Also I can relate better with other people, (see what they would or would not be interested in me telling or asking them), and express outgoing concern for them.
- Consider a stray sheep in need of a bath (Sheep Dip?). The shepherd cleans it up and disinfects it, like Jesus does for us in forgiving our sins and giving us a fresh start.
- The hymn “Amazing Grace” comes to mind – by Judy Collins. Or by Nana Mouskouri.

5. You lead me in the paths of righteousness for your name’s sake.

- A Christian is one who is led by the Holy Spirit – day by day.
- The first step along the path to righteousness is repentance, which you lead me to by your Holy Spirit of grace (Romans 2:4).
- My conscience is made keenly aware of right and wrong in your eyes – which is righteousness – different from human conscience based on human reasoning. (eg Christopher Hitchens)
- You teach me how to walk spiritually – in newness of life.
- You are converting me from relying on the knowledge of good and evil (from Adam) to the knowledge of good only (from Jesus). Also converting me from relying on my own strength (intellect, desires and general self focussed ways) to relying on God in a love relationship, to be a blessing to others.
- We need to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; seek and knock; give our heavy burdens over to him and he will give us rest.
- Also in leading me you keep close watch over me and won’t let me down, – no matter what. Your love never fails.

6. Yes, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me.

- I think of experiences when you, God, have helped and provided comfort; such as when I had to have my first general anesthetic prior to colon cancer surgery in 2002. I was quite anxious but when the time came I had a calmness come over me and I thought that everything will be fine. I will wake up – either in the recovery room or in the resurrection. Praise the Lord – either way!

7. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

- Church services and fellowship can be a spiritual meal as can time spent in prayer and Bible study.
- You are preparing me for the marriage supper of the Lamb to come when Christ returns.

8. You anoint my head with oil.

- You have set me apart for a special and holy purpose – to receive you, Jesus, as my savior – to be transformed to behave in a less self-centered way and be a benefit to others.

9. My cup runs over.

- My heart and life are full to overflowing (from all the love-filled spiritual meals), with joy and I can be a loving person and a good example to others around me.

10. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in your house, Lord, in your family – forever and ever.

- Jesus, you promised to be always with me and may your goodness and mercy be evident in the works that you do in and through me as I walk with you day by day.
- John 14:2 says, “In my Father’s house are many mansions (rooms or offices), if it were not so I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” Think of that, Jesus is preparing a place for us to dwell in his Kingdom forever; and it will be a custom made place and a perfect fit. I believe it will be like a work place where we will have jobs to do under his supervision.

We all, no doubt, have felt uncomfortable when we didn’t fit in to work or social situations of our own choosing or by trial and error.  Even now Jesus helps us find places where we fit in, such as work, church  and friends.

Amen.