Daily Worship

Shepherd Sonnet

Jock Stein May 08, 2017 0 1

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2  He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3  he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
4 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.

5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 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.

In the midst of life, the sudden dark

to overtake our cosiness, our rosy

hopes. The unexpected snakes devour

these flimsy ladders that we pick and park

for quick ascents to happiness. Who knows, we

might today be falling, calling to our

Lord to hear us, hold us, help us, fold us

firmly, gently in his unprotected arms

that welcomed even cruel nails to meet

the cost of shepherding the likes of us;

or wandering, wondering if he calms

the daytime heat, the struggles of the street?

 

You fill my cup with hope again: indeed

I find, with you, I’ve everything I need.

 

 

Pray

Today, 

may my companions also find green grass, 

fresh water, new hope, and the presence of God 

with whom night shines bright as day. Amen.