Wednesday Reflection
“The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want, He makes me lie down in green pastures, and leads me beside the waters of peace; he renews life within me, and for his name’s sake he guides me in the right path,”
We read together the words of Psalm 23 on Sunday. One of the best known psalms and read on many different occasions. Familiar, carrying many memories of occasions we have heard it yet still with new insights and deeper meanings; for each of us individually through our own life journey; as families through the growing of the generations; as a church through the pilgrimage from the past to the future.
It starts with this affirmation of faith in our God, guiding, leading and renewing, this is what we believe, especially at those high moments of faith.
But the psalm changes from speaking of God as ‘he’, telling others about what we believe, to addressing God personally and directly as we live our actual journey through life day by day.
Even though I walk through a valley as dark as death I fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and staff are my comfort.
You spread a table for me ….
you anoint my head with oil ….
This psalm fits here in the celebration of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection since it is the message of Easter that gives us the confidence to know this to be true.
An older prayer, often used for children, that many of us who are further along the path of life may well remember;
Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me;
Bless Your little lamb tonight;
Through the darkness please be near me;
Watch my sleep till morning light.
All this day Your hand has led me,
And I thank You for Your care;
You have clothed me, warmed and fed me,
Listen to my evening prayer.
