Turning Psalm 23 into a Personal Prayer

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Sometimes we aren't exactly sure how to pray. Praying scripture is a great practice. Here is Turning Psalm 23 into a Personal Prayer.Sometimes we aren't exactly sure how to pray. Praying scripture is a great practice. Here is Turning Psalm 23 into a Personal Prayer.
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Turning Psalm 23 into a Personal Prayer

My friend Don Woodruff recently shared the most wonderful article about making The Lord’s Prayer personal.

So many of you responded to this post, that I decided to share more of these well-loved passages and turn them into personal prayers.

Today, we take the beloved words of Psalm 23 and use them as a prayer of thanks to our Good Shepherd.

And, it was my joy to write these prayers.

So, I hope that you will be able to take and use them in your own prayer time today.



Turning Psalm 23 into a Personal Prayer


Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
And, He restores my soul;
He leads me on the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
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 runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.


The Lord is My Shepherd. (Psalm 23:1)

“Father, thank You for being my Shepherd, the One who leads my life.

Stand on the hillsides where I can see You.

Also, don’t let me miss You.

As a sheep, I will look to You, listen to Your voice, and follow Your leading.

Truly, I trust You to be the good Shepherd, the wise Shepherd, the loving Shepherd, and the strong Shepherd in my life.”


Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in the Bible. Have you ever thought about turning into a prayer? It can be a simple and wonderful way to pray! Here is a very practical guide for how to pray through Psalm 23. #psalm23 #sheep #shepherd #prayer


Father, I trust You to be the good Shepherd, the wise Shepherd, the loving Shepherd, and the strong Shepherd in my life. Share on X



I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)

“Thank You, Lord, I have everything I need right now.

Thank You for providing food, shelter, water, breath, and life.

I’m so grateful for Your goodness, love, mercy, and kindness in my life.

Because of You, I lack for nothing.

When I am tempted to look for more, lust for more, and strive for more, remind me that You have given me all that I need for today.

I trust You, Jesus.”



He makes me lie down. (Psalm 23:2)

“Sometimes this one is hard, Lord.

I don’t always want to lie down where and when You lead me to do so.

Would You give me the grace to trust You more?

When You lead me to rest, would You grant me the patience to do so?

When You lead me to come away and be still, would You enable me to leave the noise of the world behind?

You make me lie down; I will surrender, obey, and trust You.”



In green pastures. (Psalm 23:2)

“Thank you, Father, for only choosing the best pastures for me to lie in.

Thank You that You know the best spots for fresh and tender food.

I will follow You into the places that You lead me.

I’m so grateful that You know when and where I need to eat and fill back up again.”



He leads me beside the still waters. (Psalm 23:2)

“Lord, thank You for also taking me beside some still waters to be refreshed, renewed, and restored.

Stillness can be challenging for me at times.

But, I will trust that You know when I need rest and renewal in my life.

Thank You for nourishing me with fresh, quiet waters when I need these things in my life.”



Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in the Bible. Have you ever thought about turning into a prayer? It can be a simple and wonderful way to pray! Here is a very practical guide for how to pray through Psalm 23. #psalm23 #sheep #shepherd #prayer


Father, I will trust that You know when I need rest and renewal in my life. Share on X



He restores my soul. (Psalm 23:3)

“Thank you, Father, for restoring me as I rest beside these still waters.

Thank You that You know what is coming next in my life.

You know when I need to rest and when I need to get up and move.

I will trust Your perfect timing in my life.

Would You give me the peace to stay beside these still waters until You stand up and lead me forward again?

Also, as I’m resting, would You deeply restore my soul and reignite my passion for life, for my family, for ministry, and for following You wholeheartedly?”



He leads me on the path of righteousness. (Psalm 23:3)

“Lord, I am following You down paths as You lead.

Show me the way I should go.

Counsel me with Your eye on me.

Lead me so clearly, Father. I want to go in the right direction and in the way that honors You most.

As I am to make turns in life, would You let me hear Your voice behind me telling me whether to go to the right or the left?

I’m just a sheep, so I ask You to speak in a way that I won’t be able to miss.”



Lord, I’m just a sheep, so I ask You to speak in a way that I won’t be able to miss. Share on X



For His name’s sake. (Psalm 23:3)

“And, God, I want my life to be a blessing to You.

I want to honor You and give You incredible glory by the choices I make and by the way that I live.

For Your name’s sake, I wish to walk in a manner worthy of my calling and serve You.

Would You give me the courage, the strength, and the fortitude to follow You closely and without hesitation?”


He restores my soul. Psalm 23.


Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. (Psalm 23:4)

“Lord, it’s dark at times in this valley of our lives.

There are so many storms, difficulties, and wild things going on around us.

Would You give me peace and a calm heart in the middle of this sunless season?

Even as I’m walking right now, would You be near to me?

Let Your nearness be my good.

Help me to find joy in Your presence right now.”



I will fear no evil.  (Psalm 23:4)

“Father, the evil around me can be consuming and overwhelming.

As I watch the news and look at events happening around me, I can go into panic mode at times.

Would You free me from the fear of evil?

Would You give me incredible victory over the evil that encompasses me?

And, would You flood my heart with courage?”



Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in the Bible. Have you ever thought about turning into a prayer? It can be a simple and wonderful way to pray! Here is a very practical guide for how to pray through Psalm 23. #psalm23 #sheep #shepherd #prayer


Father, would You free me from the fear of evil? Share on X



For You are with me. (Psalm 23:4)

“Thank You, Lord, that You are always with me.

You never leave me nor forsake me.

I praise You that there is no place I can go where I will not be in Your presence.

I’m so grateful that You are with me in the light and the darkness.

You are with me by day and by night. You are with me always. I am so grateful for this!”



Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:5)

“Father, thank You that I am safe because You are with me.

Thank You for using Your rod and Your staff to protect me and to comfort me.

I’m so grateful that You fend off any dangers that don’t need to reach me.

I can rest securely because I know that I rest safely in Your care.

You hem me in behind and before.

Thank You for Your protection.”




You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; (Psalm 23:5)

“And, God, thank You for preparing us a picnic right in the middle of my spinning world.

Thank You that You and I can enjoy a meal together even while surrounded by enemies and perceived enemies.

I’m so grateful that You treat me to a feast while my enemies look on.

Father, I lift my enemies and those difficult people in my life to You.

Would You bring healing and peace to our relationships?

Also, would You bless my enemies and those who have hurt me?

Would You deeply meet the needs of their hearts and heal their broken places?

I surrender my enemies to You for You to handle.”


Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in the Bible. Have you ever thought about turning into a prayer? It can be a simple and wonderful way to pray! Here is a very practical guide for how to pray through Psalm 23. #psalm23 #sheep #shepherd #prayer


Lord, I’m so grateful that You treat me to a feast while my enemies look on. Share on X



You anoint my head with oil. (Psalm 23:5)

“Lord, thank You for anointing my drooping head with oil to revive me.

In this dry and weary land, I need Your refreshment in my life.

Thank You for knowing just when I need a good word, a kind gesture, a phone call, or any other encouraging thing in my life.

Thank You for pouring the fresh oil of hope over my head at just the perfect time.

You are a Good Shepherd.”



My cup runs over. (Psalm 23:5)

“Father, thank You for being so good to me that my cup runs over.

You fill me up to overflowing so that I might spill Your goodness out on others.

You give me more than I can hold. Use my life to spill out onto a lost and dying world.

Use me to encourage, inspire, and uplift others.

Give me the courage to share Your goodness with those around me.”



Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. (Psalm 23:6)

“Oh, Father, I praise You for Your goodness and mercy and kindness to me.

Where would I be without Your love, forgiveness, and grace?

Thank You that Your goodness and Your mercy chase after me and follow after me all the days of my life.

Thank You for pursuing me, staying close to me, and following me every day that I live on this earth.

I am blessed by You and Your relentless love for me!”



Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in the Bible. Have you ever thought about turning into a prayer? It can be a simple and wonderful way to pray! Here is a very practical guide for how to pray through Psalm 23. #psalm23 #sheep #shepherd #prayer


God, I am blessed by You and Your relentless love for me! Share on X



And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6)

“And, Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to die in my place.

Thank You for reconciling me to Yourself through the sacrifice of Your Son on the cross.

Because of His death, I am invited to dwell with You forever.

It’s so sweet to know that this life on earth is not the end.

This is only just the beginning. I get to spend eternity with You. It’s my privilege to get to live with You forever. Thank You for this gift, Lord.”

 As I close this time of prayer, Lord, I want to thank You again for being the most amazing Shepherd.

This week, I want to trust You, follow You, and live for You, as I never have before.



This week, I want to trust You, follow You, and live for You, as I never have before. Share on X



We’ve got a wonderful new family resource to share with you!

It’s a devotional book for teen girls called Live in Light.

Live In Light is every girl’s guide to tackling their teenage years with the wisdom and comfort of the Bible. From navigating the pressure to be “perfect” on social media to dating and dealing with frenemies, these 5-minute devotionals help you to become the woman that both you and God want you to be.


Inside these teen devotionals for girls, you’ll find:

This book offers unwavering guidance to live under the bright light of faith in a world filled with change.

Discover more on Amazon at Live in Light.


Live In Light is every girl's guide to tackling their teenage years with the wisdom and comfort of the Bible. From navigating the pressure to be "perfect" on social media to dating and dealing with frenemies, these 5-minute devotionals help you to become the woman that both you and God want you to be. #teengirls #teendevotions #liveinlight #lighttheway



Were you blessed by Turning Psalm 23 into a Personal Prayer?

Then, would you share this article with a friend, co-worker, or family member?

Or, maybe you can send it to a friend or family member?


For more encouragement, check out:

HOW TO MAKE THE PRAYER OF JABEZ PERSONAL

DIFFERENT WAYS TO PRAY OVER FEAR (USING ISAIAH 41:10)

 



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Then, would you share this article with a friend, co-worker, or family member?

Or, maybe you can send it to a friend or family member?

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50 Comments

Bobbie Melvin · 01/30/2022 at 10:03 AM

Thank u Pastor Melanie Reid I really needed these words of encouragement u always know the right time to send me these encouraging messages….I know this message was sent from God because only him alone knows what I’m going thru…an again thank you so much if only u knew how this message has lift me up it seems like a 1000 lbs was lifted off me from reading this message…my mom always said just a word from God can change everything…U be Blessed an continue to let God use you…All I can say is Thank you Jesus for this word an message…now u continue to be Blessed….

    helloredds@gmail.com · 02/01/2022 at 9:51 AM

    Thank you, Bobbie!
    Praying for you today! So glad to hear that the weight was lifted.
    There is great hope in prayer and in the Bible!
    Asking God to continue to encourage you!
    Blessings,
    Melanie

Joe M Cruz · 01/14/2022 at 11:43 PM

I thank so much for this Prayer I just Love praying whenever I can, God Bless you so much!! Thank You again and again!!

    helloredds@gmail.com · 01/15/2022 at 10:58 AM

    Amen, Joe!
    So thankful you were blessed!
    Appreciate your encouragement.
    Keep on praying!
    Melanie

Faith · 01/09/2022 at 7:35 AM

Thank you for the breakdown of the Jabez Prayer and prayers to help your readers with the Prayer of Jabez for ourselves!

    helloredds@gmail.com · 01/09/2022 at 11:51 AM

    Hey Faith,
    Thank you so much for your encouragement!
    I sure do appreciate you and your kind words.
    Praying God will bless you today~
    Melanie

Charles Franklin · 12/14/2020 at 3:24 PM

Wonderful post, and thanks for breaking down scripture so completely! Many blessings to you and yours!

Patrick Rwabwogo · 12/07/2020 at 2:07 PM

Psalms 23 has given me a peace of mind, joy, courage and strength in all my encounters. Thank you so much for your in depth prayer per verse. I feel so good.
The good Lord’s blessings, favor and wisdom always be upon.
God continue using you to reach greater heights in touching and transforming lives.

cynnD · 12/07/2020 at 11:25 AM

I am delighted to have this personalized prayer, I had been told to make it personalized for me before. I had missed some points. It is good to hear some oneselse’s thoughts on this. Blessings on us all in these times. CynD

Richelle Salvador · 11/10/2020 at 10:16 PM

Thank you so much. I love the Psalms 23 and you have made it into a very beautiful prayer of trust and surrender to our Good Shepherd. Praise be to God. May He bless you more. 🙏🏻❤️

    helloredds@gmail.com · 11/11/2020 at 1:41 PM

    Thank you so much, Richelle!
    Appreciate you and your kind words.
    Hope you have a blessed day~
    Melanie

    Charlotte Walker · 04/22/2021 at 12:25 PM

    What a wonderful way of looking and learning about the 23 th psalms. I was so filled with Gods love. This came at a time when I needed it. Thank you so much. I am looking forward to reading many more of your writings. You are truly Blessed by GOD Melanie.

    Charlotte Walker · 04/22/2021 at 12:27 PM

    What a wonderful way of looking and learning about the 23 th psalms. I was so filled with Gods love. This came at a time when I needed it. Thank you so much. I am looking forward to reading many more of your writings. You are truly Blessed by GOD Melanie.

Lois Burgess · 09/15/2020 at 4:21 AM

How can I subscribe to your blog , Melanie?

    helloredds@gmail.com · 09/15/2020 at 11:10 AM

    Hey Lois,
    Great question. I had a pop-up subscription for a while, but it had some glitches.
    I am happy to add you.
    Is lois.burgess5@gmail the best email address for you?
    Melanie

sydell · 09/10/2019 at 1:58 PM

Amen! This is a awesome prayer Melanie.Thank you. I lack nothing because He meets all my needs.Amen!

    helloredds@gmail.com · 09/12/2019 at 2:06 PM

    Amen!
    Thank you for letting me know!
    And, you are so right – we lack nothing because He meets all of our needs!
    Blessed by you, Sydell!

Homer Les · 08/25/2019 at 9:02 AM

What a wonderful prayer. Thank you for sharing this!

Blessings,
Homer Les
http://www.uncompromisingfaith.ca

Amelia · 08/19/2019 at 9:51 AM

This was SO GOOD I made a few notes to share with a friend. Thank you for sharing so many wonderful thoughts that point us to the guidance we need from God. Sure have missed you.

g

    helloredds@gmail.com · 08/26/2019 at 8:23 AM

    Thank you, Amelia!
    Sure do appreciate you and your encouragement!
    And, I’ve missed you too!
    Blessings,
    Melanie

Deborah · 08/13/2019 at 7:39 PM

Great way to personalize Psalm 23 to today’s world and our need of God in our lives!

    helloredds@gmail.com · 08/19/2019 at 9:23 AM

    Thank you, Deborah!
    Sure do appreciate you and your kind words!
    Blessings to you,
    Melanie

    Melissa Aldridge · 10/31/2020 at 11:44 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing this prayer. Its exactly what I’ve been wanting to say to my Lird but didnt know the right words. It says everything I couldn’t but felt in my heart. I would love reading more of these kind of prayers. It’s easy reading n very easy to understand. God bless you my friend .
    Melissa Dill

Gen Efthemis · 07/04/2019 at 5:42 PM

I am near the ocean on retreat. I thought I would use the psalms as my beginning. Today I found your Ps 23 writings. I am so moved that I will take time to reflect on Ps 23 before I retire.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 07/09/2019 at 7:48 AM

    Hey Gen,
    Thanks for taking the time to comment today.
    I love the ocean too!
    And, Psalm 23 is such a great place to reflect.
    Hope you have a wonderful day~
    Melanie

see this · 06/06/2019 at 3:13 PM

Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
I’ll certainly comeback.

Shang · 06/02/2019 at 1:33 AM

Hi Melanie,
Thank you for this beautiful prayer taken out from my favourite psalm.
I woke up today with much depression and disappointment but going through this prayer has encouraged me to change my perspective.
Thank you.

Regards
Shang (From Ukhrul, India).

    helloredds@gmail.com · 06/05/2019 at 3:07 PM

    Hey Shang,
    So grateful you were encouraged by Psalm 23 and this prayer today!
    May God lift your sadness and continue to encourage you!
    Blessings to you,
    Melanie

Arlene · 05/30/2019 at 6:47 PM

Thank you for this Melanie. I loved it. I find it interesting and how God used you to inspire us.

I’ll be sharing some of the lines to spread the good news!

    helloredds@gmail.com · 06/05/2019 at 3:01 PM

    Amen, Arlene!
    So glad you found it useful!
    I’m praying God will bless you~
    Melanie

Ann · 09/21/2018 at 11:00 AM

This is a great way to use Scripture as a prayer. Thank you.

The link to 21 Ways to Spice Up your Devotions seems to be broken. I’d like to read that also.

Julie · 09/14/2017 at 6:33 AM

Love this, Melanie! What a great prayer!

I wanted to let you know I nominated you for the Blogger Recognition Award over at https://unmaskingthemess.com/2017/09/14/blogger-recognition-award/

Please do not feel obligated to do a thing. You are a great writer and role model for me and I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to let others know about your website.

Diana · 09/12/2017 at 12:00 PM

My soul was on fire reading this personalized prayer. Oh , how I love this. One of my most favorite Psalm. Just the other day, I was mediating on it , and finished teaching my triplets the first verse.

God willing , in few weeks I may also write a post about it.
I love David wrote this Psalm from his experience as a shepherd boy himself , so that we could connect it with our relationship with our Great Shepherd today

blessings to you
Diana

Diana · 09/12/2017 at 11:59 AM

My soul was on fire reading this personalized prayer. Oh , how I love this. One of my most favorite Psalm. Just the other day, I was mediating on it , and finished teaching my triplets the first verse.

God willing , in few weeks I may also write a post about it.
I love David wrote this Psalm from his experience as a shepherd boy himself , so that we could connect it with our relationship with our Great Shepherd today

Much blessings to you
Diana

    helloredds@gmail.com · 09/12/2017 at 2:05 PM

    Hey Diana,

    Thank you for your encouraging words today! I so appreciate you stopping by to leave such kind comments.

    It’s one of my favorite Psalms as well. Why don’t you write about it? (And, tag me when you do!)

    Hope you have a blessed day today~
    Melanie

dawn · 09/11/2017 at 7:44 AM

I love this example of how to turn scripture into a personal prayer. This is beautiful, Melanie.

    helloredds@gmail.com · 09/11/2017 at 6:48 PM

    Thank you, Dawn!
    It was a joy to write this post.
    Sure do appreciate you~
    Melanie

Amelia · 09/10/2017 at 7:45 PM

Enjoyed this and made some notes from the scripture and your notes too. Thanks for letting God use this to help others.

Randy · 09/10/2017 at 3:48 PM

Excellent way to pray through Psm 23! Thanks for posting!

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