Reconstructed Good Shepherd Prayer

Psalm 23

(Adapted from Kenneth E. Bailey’s The Good Shepherd. 2014)

The Lord is my shepherd,

Jesus, who was called Lord, and who said He was the Good and true Shepherd, wants to be my Good Shepherd.  The Good Shepherd has a reputation in the whole land for wisdom and exquisitely expert care of his flock. 

I will not be in need.

When I permit Jesus to become my shepherd, my body, heart, soul, and mind, everything that I am, will have everything it needs.  

He lets me lie down in green pastures;

Jesus will lead me to places of plenty, where I can eat my fill both in body and spirit and can then lie down and rest, knowing how safe I am with Him.

He leads me beside quiet waters.

He has the power to make the chaos and evil storms of this world be quiet and still so that I can take in the living water He offers. His water will become a fountain inside, washing me clean and bringing me and others eternal spiritual life. When He speaks, I will hear and know His voice.  He will call me personally, and I will follow His voice to the water He has specially prepared for me and drink.

He restores my soul;

Jesus’ living water will restore my fractured and traumatized soul so that I will have abundant life.

He guides me in the paths of righteousness

Jesus knows my history and my soul. He knows that I wander and get lost along roads of evil and pain. He will leave the ninety-nine to come find me and rejoice when He does. I will gladly rest in His arms as He picks me up and carries me back. Jesus will show me right and loving paths that lead me through the door of the Kingdom of Heaven. There I will find forgiveness for God, myself and others.

For the sake of His name.

All of this will happen, not for my glory, but for His. Therefore, others will be drawn to His love and call out to be rescued as I can be.

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

While I have this hope, I am passing through a terrifying place that reminds me of death, suffering and pain. Jesus, through His own suffering, death and resurrection, which He freely chose to endure out of loyalty to The Father, will lead me through this place of confusion, anger and sadness that I direct at God, myself and others. 

I fear no evil, for You are with me;

With you leading me Lord, I will not fear the evil done to me, nor will I fear the part of me that has done evil since you will come and rescue me at great cost; bringing me back to the right path.

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You carry a weapon to protect me from the evil that wishes to attack me further, and Your staff rescues and lifts me when I fall, while gently showing me the right way to walk.  These objects bring me peace and quiet joy.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

Despite the evil attacking me and surrounding my heart, Jesus, desires to become my spiritual host and hostess. He will cook and serve me a spiritual banquet of love and healing where I will be reborn.

You have anointed my head with oil;

Despite the evil attacking me and surrounding my heart, Jesus desires to make me royalty like Him.
My cup overflows.

I stand in awe and disbelief of what Jesus wants for me. My heart, mind, body, and soul (all that I am) are bursting and full.

Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life,

With loyalty to Jesus my Good Shepherd, my friend, and king, I will not need to worry that evil is chasing me, but I can rejoice that His goodness (beautiful kindness, rightness and moral presence) and mercy (grace and lovingkindness) are following me as I walk the steps of my journey.

And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever.

All that I am will rest with God as I live out my days in this life and look forward to the coming glory of eternity.

If blessed with the opportunity, I will be a Good Shepherd to others with patience, kindness and gentle challenge. I will be on the lookout for the evil one and bad shepherds who do evil and lead others to follow. I will stand with the authority of Jesus as I feed, protect, guide and love His flock. Amen.