The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

—Psalm 23:1-6 

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Prayer From Sheep to Shepherd

By Jennifer Kane

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My Shepherd, who watches over me from on high,

Holy is Your name.

Your pastures come, Your will be done,

On earth, as it is in Your perfect fields above.

Give me today the green grass I need,

And forgive me when I wander astray,

As I learn to follow You and forgive others who stray.

Guide me away from dangerous cliffs and snares,

And deliver me from the wolves that prowl.

For Yours is the pasture, the still waters, and the safety,

Forever and ever, my Shepherd.

Amen.

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Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Imagine you are one of the sheep in the Shepherd’s flock. Your day begins early, as the Shepherd calls you by name and leads you out of the safety of the pen. At first, the journey seems uncertain—where are we going? But soon, He brings you to a lush green pasture, a place where the grass is soft and abundant. The morning sun warms you as you lie down, completely at rest. Your Shepherd knows your needs better than you do.

When you grow thirsty, He leads you to still waters, not rushing streams that might frighten you. He gently guides you, letting you drink deeply until your thirst is satisfied. You feel renewed, restored, and cared for.

In your wandering moments, when you might stray too far or lose sight of Him, the Shepherd never lets you go. His voice is always calling, His care always pursuing. You are never forgotten, never ignored.

We often live with restless hearts, chasing after what we think we need—more security, more success, more approval. Yet, Psalm 23 reminds us that our Shepherd provides everything we truly need. When we trust Him, He leads us to rest, peace, and restoration.

Ask yourself today Am I trusting the Shepherd to guide me, or am I trying to chart my own course? What would it look like to rest in the green pastures He provides instead of striving in my own strength?

Spend time today in quiet reflection. Find a moment to sit still—whether in a park, your backyard, or even just a chair in your home. Meditate on this truth: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Let His Word remind you that He is your provider and restorer.

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Thank you so much, Lord, for being my Shepherd. Thank You for leading me to places of rest and peace, even when I resist. Teach me to trust You more deeply, to follow Your voice, and to find true restoration in Your care. Thank you for all you do as such a Good Shepherd. You are worthy of glory and praise forevermore. Amen.

January 23 2025