Psalm | Psalm 23 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
Psalm 23 (Surely Goodness and Mercy) by Shane Barnard

Lyrics:
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want
In green pastures He makes me lie down
He restores my soul and leads me on
For His name for His great name

Surely goodness surely mercy
Right beside me all my days
And I will dwell in Your house forever
And bless Your holy name

You prepare a table right before me
In the presence of my enemies
Though the arrow flies and the terror of night
Is at my door I'll trust You Lord

And even though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death I will fear no evil
(And) even though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death You are on my side (oh)

Passage:
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.
(Psalm 23:1–6 ESV)

Musical Reflection:
Jesus Loves Me by William B. Bradbury

Reflection Notes:
This sweet and familiar song was written in 1861 for the composer’s church school and has become a favorite because of the warm reminders associated with its text: “Jesus loves me, this I know.”

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