My Morning Prayer: Prayer Reflections from the 23rd Psalm

My Morning Prayer: Prayer Reflections from the 23rd Psalm

These past few days we have focused on the 23^rd Psalm, verse-by-verse and word-by-word. As we start the New Year, let’s pray Psalm 23 with detail and intention. May we remember the fullness of who He is in our life, in our world, and who He wants to be for us, and to us. He is aware of everything going on and will walk with us through it. He is intentional in the things He allows, and has purpose in it, to bring people closer to Him and to enlarge His kingdom. He is never caught off-guard, never surprised. He has a plan, and we are included in it. He is the Lord of everything in our past, and our future. May we live the coming year bringing Him honor and glory. -Marina

Prayer Reflections from the 23rd Psalm
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

1. The Lord is my shepherd.
What could be sweeter or dearer than to know that no one is nearer to your heart, your soul, or your deepest desires than the Lord. His caring eyes are upon you, His protecting hands are over you, His assuring voice speaks peace to you, His loving heart responds to you. You can come to Him in quietness and confidence, in faith, in hope, in trust, in thanks, in worship, in praise, and in prayer.

2. I shall not be in want.
You will never lack anything that His grace cannot give you, and He will give to you over and over again. Because His supply is abundant you will never be without…because His heart is full you will never be empty… because His resources are endless there will never be a time when He cannot meet your needs. Your life couldn’t be in better hands. As you come to Him in prayer remember how much He desires to bless you.

3. He makes me lie down in green pastures.
The place God daily brings you to is green with life and nourishment…Cool with delight and refreshing…pleasant with freedom and beauty. It is a place of rest to quiet your heart…a place of hope to renew your spirit…a place of joy to delight your soul. You are so blessed to be able to share the Lord’s quiet company. It pleases His heart to hear your heart speak words of praise and thanks to Him. 

4. He leads me beside quiet waters.
In your quiet times or busy times God has a quiet place for you to rest. As you gaze upon the waters of the Holy Spirit, you will see the reflection of His face. His waters are present to wash you, delight you, and refresh you.  They will bring you rest from all your fears, worries, cares, and anxieties. In His quiet place there is no weight upon you, no confusion around you, and no clouds over you. It is the place where you can peacefully open your heart to Him.

5. He restores my soul.
It is delightful to come before the Lord in quietness, in adoration, and in prayer. As you kneel at His feet and gaze upon His face, renewal gently comes. In your weariness you will be refreshed, in your weakness your strength will be renewed, in your heaviness your heart will sing a new song. His wings will be your covering, His faithfulness will be your shield, His loving kindness will be your sweet reward. Beautiful are His ways with you.

6. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
As you walk the paths of prayer you will be guided into everything that is true and right…into all that is best for you and others…into all that will take you to the highest expressions of His love. He will lead you by His way, by His words, and by His will. He will guide you down the paths that lead you straight to His heart. Each prayer He answers will be for your good and for His glory.

7. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
The greatest thing your heart can experience when you are alone with God is His presence. He is greater than any of His gifts. What He is to you is greater than anything He can do for you. His lovingkindness is better than life…in His presence is fullness of joy…at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. When God gives Himself to you there is nothing higher that He can give.

8. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Comfort in prayer comes by knowing that the One you look to is always looking out for you. He is not only with you, but He is actively doing everything that is necessary to keep you safe within His care. You can be assured that above you are His tender mercies…around you is His unfailing love…and underneath you are His everlasting arms.

9. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
Even though you may have a lot of things that come against you, you have so much more going for you. While your enemies try to rob you of your joy, God spreads a lavish table before filled with spiritual blessings of goodness, kindness, and love. As you come to Him in prayer you find a table your soul can delight in…your faith can feast upon…and your heart can rejoice in.

10. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
When you come to God in times of personal dryness, when you are in need of help or healing, or when you are in a desert place, you will find His loving hand pouring out the oil of His Spirit upon you—comforting, refreshing, and filling you to overflowing. His oil heals and soothes, calms and relieves, and causes your face to shine with the glow of His presence.

11. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.
How glorious and wonderful are the things that follow you into prayer—kindness, beauty, goodness, mercy, grace, favor, blessings, faithfulness and lovingkindness. In His great generosity He has given to you freely, bountifully, cheerfully. He has given you the finest, the highest, the deepest, and the fullest measure of His love. All that He has given He will continue to give to you all the days of your life.

12. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Prayer is for time, not for eternity. Now you are a pilgrim with needs to be met and people to minister to along the way. One day you will be in your Father’s house, the need for asking will have passed away and only praise will remain. In Jesus, your future is secure and your destiny certain. Today is the time to bring before Him all those who, like you, are in need of hope and encouragement on their journey home.

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 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 your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever (Psalm 23:1-6).

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©2023 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

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