Easter 4 | Psalm 23 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
Psalm 23 by Phil Wickham

Lyrics:
The Lord is my shepherd
There's nothing I need
You lead me to the safest places
You lead me to the safest places
To walk in the meadow
And lie by the stream
You meet me in the quiet places
You meet me in the quiet places

Your goodness and Your mercy
Will follow me
All the days of my life
All the days of my life
And I'll dwell in Your house
For eternity
I'll be there by Your side
I'll be there by Your side

Though I walk through the valley
The shadow of death
I don't have to fear no evil
For I know that You are with me
With oil of blessing
You cover my head
You fill me to overflowing
My cup is overflowing

Your goodness and Your mercy
Will follow me
All the days of my life
All the days of my life
And I'll dwell in Your house
For eternity
I'll be there by Your side
I'll be there by Your side
All the days of my life
All the days of my life

You prepare a table before me
Right in front of my enemies
You're the shepherd of my soul
You lead me in the right direction
My comfort and my protection
You're the shepherd of my soul

I’ll be there by Your side
All the days of my life

Passage:
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have what I need.
2 He lets me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He renews my life;
he leads me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even when I go through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
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 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
as long as I live. -- Psalms 23:1-6 (CSB)

Musical Reflection:
Nothing But The Blood (PLAINFIELD) by Robert Lowry

Reflection Notes:
Lowry wrote several hymns for his congregation’s use in the late nineteenth century. This particular tune is pentatonic (only five notes used per octave) and falls within a small vocal range, which made it accessible for all parishioners to sing and enjoy.

Prayer:
O Lord, show Your mercy to me and gladden my heart… I am like the sheep that went astray. O Good Shepherd, seek me out and bring me home in accord with Your will. Let me dwell in Your house all the days of my life and praise You for ever and ever with those who are there. Amen.
-Jerome