Today’s reading is a prayer by David found in the book of Psalms. The prayer is short and speaks to who God is as our shepherd. He is one who will make sure we don’t want for anything. When we are lost and have wandered from the narrow path, he will find us and lead us back to the paths of righteousness. When we are weary and tired, he will restore us and give us green pastures to rest in. When we walk through the trials and tribulations, he will be there to comfort and protect us.

The prayer ends with hope and confidence that the Lord will provide for us and bless us. As the shepherd takes care of his flock, so will God take care of us.

As we continue to walk through Luke we can see Jesus answer this prayer to the lost and sick. Restoring and healing, bringing the lost back to the path of righteousness. As Jesus did then, He can still do now. When we are lost, tired, and wandering in a dark valley of our lives let us pray this prayer and be reminded who God is and how He cares for us.

[Psalm 23.1-6]

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

3 He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

for His name's sake.

4 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.

5 You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ When in David’s life might he have prayed this to God?

+ What did it mean to anoint someone’s head with oil?

+ How does being anointed relate to Jesus?

+ What does it mean to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever”

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How do I respond when I find myself walking in the “valley of the shadow of death”?

+ Where in my life do I need to submit to God and let Him lead me?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?