Psalm 23
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The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
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- What does a shepherd do for his sheep?
- What kind of person becomes a shepherd?
- Do sheep really need a shepherd?
- How do sheep become part of the flock? (e.g., do they "try out" for the flock?)
- What does it mean to be "in want"?
- Why do sheep trust the shepherd?
Shepherd of my heart, teach me to trust You in every situation. Amen.
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He makes me lie down in green pastures...
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- Where do I search for rest and refreshment for my spirit?
- Why do the answers I find in myself or in others fail to satisfy?
- What fears hinder me from trusting the Shepherd?
- What distractions or wandering thoughts keep me from reveling in His presence?
- Why does the Shepherd make me lie down in "green pastures"?
Shepherd of my heart, teach me to put aside impatience and busy-ness and to relax and be joyful in Your presence, for that is
where I will find rest. Amen.
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He leads me beside still waters...
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- Why does the Shepherd lead, rather than push?
- Am I a stubborn sheep?
- What does my spirit thirst for?
- Do I willingly and eagerly accept the still waters He offers?
Shepherd of my heart, thank you for leading me beside still waters, away from the heaving, rushing current of life.
Amen.
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He restores my soul...
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- What does it mean to restore (a soul)?
- What restoration do I most need in my life right now?
- Why am I powerless to restore myself?
- Can I be restored against my will?
- When the Shepherd cares well for the sheep, why would the sheep ever need to be restored?
- Is the Shepherd's restoration complete?
Shepherd of my heart, when I am broken and cast down, you rescue, revive, redeem and restore me. Thank you! Amen.
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He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
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- Why do I try to choose my own path?
- What happens when I pursue another path?
- Where is the Shepherd if I become separated from Him?
- Do I follow the Shepherd or the sheep in front of me?
- Does the Shepherd lose any of His sheep?
- Is the path of righteousness necessarily easy?
- How do I know where the Shepherd desires me to go?
- Where does the path of righteousness lead?
Shepherd of my heart, whatever path You choose for me is the right path. Help me to listen closely for Your voice.
Amen.
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Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me...
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- The darkest valley is only a pathway to a greener pasture, and not a dead end.
Will I lay aside fear, and trust the Shepherd to bring me through?
- I am anxious to put the valley behind me. How can I learn to be patient and not try to get ahead of the Shepherd?
- In the valleys of life do I move closer to the Shepherd?
- How do I recognize that the Shepherd is still with me? Or that I am still with the Shepherd?
Shepherd of my heart, help me to look past the lurking shadows and see only You. Your presence with me in the valley is enough.
Amen.
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Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
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- Am I alert to the nudges of the Shepherd's staff, encouraging me to remain on the path He has chosen for me?
- How has the Shepherd "nudged" me?
- When the Shepherd extends his staff to count the sheep in His fold, will I be among that number?
Shepherd of my heart, thank you for your presence and protective care. You know my every difficulty. Bring me close to You.
Amen.
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You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
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- What does the table represent to me?
- Why does the Shepherd prepare the table?
- What are my "enemies"?
- Why might the "enemies" be present?
- How do I fellowship with the Shepherd?
Shepherd of my heart, You bring me to the top of the mountain, where you have secured my safety. How I delight in fellowship
with You. Amen.
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You anoint my head with oil;
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My cup overflows.
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Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life...
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And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
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