The Lord is my shepherd;

Heavenly Father, You are Lord over all, and Lord of my life; therefore I can trust you to be my shepherd—my protector and my guide.

there is nothing I lack.

All I have needed, you have provided. Nothing I desire is greater than You.

He lets me lie down in green pastures

In Your presence I am safe. My mind and my heart at rest knowing that You are near.

He leads me beside quiet waters.

Even when the world rages around me, I can have peace because I know that You, God, are in control of it all.

He renews my life;

Every day is a gift from You, and with it comes renewed purpose.

He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake.

Your presence guides me—-Lord, give me wisdom to follow the direction that most glorifies Your Name.

Even when I go through the darkest valley,

Even when it’s hard. Even when I struggle to see Your plan.

I fear no danger,

Even when it’s scary or dangerous or risky;

FOR YOU ARE WITH ME;

You are omnipresent; You promise that You will never leave me or forsake me…

Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.

Because You love me, You discipline me when I am disobedient and I am comforted by the fact that Your Spirit draws me back into Your protection when I am in danger of going the wrong direction.

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

Because I am walking, living, and breathing in Your presence, the enemy has no power to consume me. You alone are the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

You annoint my head with oil;

You chose me and You commissioned me for service. You bless me with innumerable blessings—

my cup overflows.

…and I am blessed to bless others. Help me to see the good and be thankful. Show me how to use those blessings to benefit others for Your kingdom’s sake.

Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me

Thank you for Your faithful love toward me! Your goodness represents all that I have that is good in my life, and

all the days of my life,

I want to be continually reminded of your loving presence,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.

AMEN