Psalm 23- Praying the Word with Thanksgiving
/What Does it Mean to be Thankful?
Am I a thankful person? Do I have gratitude in my heart on a regular basis? Hmmmm. Do you?
Being a dual citizen, I’ve been celebrating both Canada and the USA’s Thanksgiving for over 29 years. I struggle with which one I like more, as each has its strengths for sure. I appreciate the tradition though our little family has adopted as we gather around the dining room table and enjoy a traditional turkey dinner, where each person is encouraged to say what we are thankful for. Sometimes, gratitude comes easy- where other times, it takes discipline to dig deep and conjure up words to say what we are thankful for at the moment.
Having gratitude is said to be one of the most powerful attributes to living a life of joy, peace, and contentment. I’ve found it’s also a spiritual weapon to help one find strength through the difficult times of life. Over the years, I’ve had multiple mentors, teachers, spiritual advisors encourage me to journal the word of God, sing the word, speak the word out loud and pray the word. Psalm 23 is one of the most recognized chapters in the Bible, but how often do we personalize it, giving thanks to the triune God: (I.e. God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.) Below is an example of praying the word through Psalm 23 where I’ve highlighted some passages of scripture that support each phrase.
Praying the Word with Thanksgiving (Psalm 23)
The Lord is my shepherd…
Dear God, your word says that Jesus is “the good shepherd and that your sheep know you”. (John 10:14). I want to know you more. Thank you that you care and have compassion for me. You know me by name and call me your own. In my humanity, I am sometimes“confused and helpless, like a sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me” (Psalm 139:1). As your parable of the lost sheep confirms, you celebrate when we are found in you! I can just visualize you having a party with the angels “Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep” (Luke 15:6). I am so grateful that I have a good shepherd in you who invites me to trust you again and again.
I have all that I need…
Lord, I worry too much, don’t I! Your word says to cast all anxiety on you.(1 Peter 5:7). Thank you for the reminder that you care for me and encourage me to trust you and be content:“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?… Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are'“ (Matthew 6:27-29).“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have” (Philippians 4:11).“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it” (1 Timothy 6:6-7). I see that in how you provide through creation, through the gifts of others, through the simple and the supernatural. You are my provider.
He lets me rest in green meadows…
He leads me beside peaceful streams. Jesus, I need rest for my soul, I need to take care of my body more and my mind is often working overtime with all the visions, dreams, ideas or concerns that I have for my life, my family and the world. Yes- I know. I have often taken on too many burdens. I ache for restoration for my whole self- spirit, soul, body. Thank you for the picture of a sheep beside a green meadow and a peaceful stream. I receive your invitation: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Thank you for being my Shalom—The Lord, my Peace!
He renews my strength…
I thank you Lord that your desire is that all people would find renewal, restoration and personal revival. You created us to flourish ‘in the garden’. You’ve created us to bear your image as men and women (Genesis 1:26-27). Give me spiritual insight to envision your original design for us before the fall. Thank you for your restoration plan (Luke 19:10). “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint”(Isaiah 40:31). Thank you that you have a purpose and a plan for me to find strength and renewal to make a difference in this world. “Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.” Isaiah 58:12 . You are my healer, restorer, deliverer.
He guides me along right paths…
bringing honour to his name. “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). I need wisdom for my journey and confidence for which path to take? I love how your word describes wisdom in feminine form:) ”Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honour in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly". (Proverbs 3:15-18). There are a ton of paths that lead nowhere, Thank you God for wisdom and for the ability to ask for wisdom, receive wisdom and for you to guide me along a right path. Your spirit of wisdom is the best GPS, help me to trust and follow!
Even when I walk through the darkest valley…
I will not be afraid (or fear no evil), for you are close beside me.
I thank you for reminding me again and again that I am not alone. You know the trials, tests, temptations and dark valleys I’ve faced thus far or will yet face in the future. “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3). Going through some nasty dark valleys, strengthened my faith to believe in your promises! Thank you that you have given me the will to grow from the valleys and to strengthen my desire to serve. “But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you”(1 Samuel 12:24). It means so much to me that you are with me on the mountain tops and in the valleys. Thank you for your presence and silencing my fears.
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me…
Thank you for your guidance and protection. Forgive me for not always listening to your voice and abiding in you always. Forgive me for the times when I only sought shelter in things, people or even religion as my refuge. I receive your boundless grace over my life: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my saviour; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety”(Psalm 18:2). As I visualize you as my good shepherd, I am that sheep that needs a little prodding to guide me. Thank you for your nurturing, comforting help.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies…
You honour me by anointing my head with oil.
Thank you for this confident assurance that in Christ, you offer me the abundant life on earth as it is in heaven. “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbour’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:43-47). “You love justice and hate evil. Therefore..your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you” (Hebrews 1:9) Your word is full of reminders for how the enemy of our soul to want to rob, kill, steal and destroy us. Yet, you prepare a supernatural banquet in the midst of it all. Thank you for being the victorious host that you are.
My cup overflows with blessings…
Thank you for the reminder Jesus, of what it’s all about- Love: “When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you” (John 15:10-12). Give me faith to believe that you’ve given me a cup to fill up again and again and again. Teach me what it means to ‘remain in your love’. Give me faith to believe that you want to bless me so that I can be a blessing to others around me. Thank you for loving me, sending Jesus to be my portion so that my cup is able to overflow.
Surely goodness and mercy will pursue me all the days of my life…
In and of myself, I am not fully good and merciful. I am a sinner- in need of grace each and every day. Thank you for the gift of prayer! “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16). Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit that counteracts our sin filled nature. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23). Surely, goodness and mercy will pursue me all the days of my life. Thank you for your patience with me and your desire to do so. It’s profound to even consider the depths of your love for me.
& I will live in the house of the Lord forever…
Thank you for the promise of heaven Jesus. Your word says: “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying” (John 11:25). “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”(John 16:33) Until my time comes, teach me to be still as I seek to abide in you, and to be led by you- my Good Shepherd. "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that I will seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord…" (Psalm 27:4). Help me to be still and know that you are in control.
AMEN
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”
Photos from the Well Collaborative’s event “Well Fed Harvest “2019 click here to view more.
