God’s Protection

Psalm 23 Liturgies prepared by the Kansas City Boiler Room

Leader: The LORD is my shepherd,

All: You feed me, guide me, shield me, provide for me

Leader: I shall not be in want.

All: I will not worry about tomorrow. In You I lack no good thing.

Leader: He makes me lie down in green pastures,

All: You know when I need to rest,

You make sure I consistently do.

I am continually fresh and flourishing when I let You satisfy my desires.

Leader: He leads me beside quiet waters,

All: You still me. You give me clean, pure water to drink.

Leader: He restores my soul.  

All: You cause breath to enter my lungs again.

You bring times of refreshing to my entire being.

Leader: He guides me in paths of righteousness

All: You always remind me that grace defines my life.

My head is lifted, my heart is secure. You resurrect me again.

Leader: For His name's sake.

All: You secure me in Your plot once again. My heart is set on eternity.

My focus is Your throne, Your reward, Your worth.

Leader: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,       

All: Darkness covers the earth, but it pales in Your even greater light.

You give and You take away; You are always good.

Leader: I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

All: You are my stronghold. My fellowship.

A friend that stays closer than a brother.

Leader: Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

All: In You is everything I need. Counsellor. Comforter. Companion.

Leader: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.    

All: When I least expect it, You celebrate me.

When all my strength is all but gone, You love me with extravagance.

Leader: You anoint my head with oil;      

All: You are blessing me, consecrating me.

You are pouring healing joy upon me.

Leader: My cup overflows. 

All: I can’t contain the Spirit You give without measure.

The most natural response is to share this love.

Leader: Surely goodness and love will follow me

All: You pursue me with passionate grace. Relentless delight.

You honour me, even when I dishonour myself.

Leader: All the days of my life,

All: I will live a long life and this divine exchange with Heaven will continue throughout.

Leader: And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

All: My home is Your dwelling place. I will be a priest and a pillar in Your house.

Forever and ever. Amen.