Day Prayer in the Psalms: The Lord Is My Shepherd
Introduction
There are few words in Scripture as familiar—or as comforting—as “The Lord is my shepherd.” Psalm 23 has walked beside believers for centuries: through joy and grief, work and rest, fear and peace. Day Prayer in the Psalms: The Lord Is My Shepherd is a way to pause and remember that wherever the day has led us, God is still guiding the way.
The psalm doesn’t promise an easy path, but it does promise a faithful Shepherd. When we stop in the middle of the day to pray these words, we remember that we’re not wandering aimlessly—we’re being led by love itself.
Scripture for the Day
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.” — Psalm 23:1–3 (NRSV)
Reflection
Psalm 23 speaks to both motion and rest. The Shepherd leads and provides, restores and protects. Even when the landscape changes—from still waters to shadowed valleys—the Shepherd remains. Midday prayer offers us a similar rhythm: a moment to rest in God’s presence before continuing the journey.
We may begin the morning with energy and purpose, but by noon, our strength can fade and our peace feel thin. This is the moment to return to the Shepherd—to remember that we are guided, not driven; cared for, not forgotten. His rod and staff aren’t instruments of punishment but of protection.
As we pray today, let the words of this ancient psalm settle the pace of your heart. Let the Shepherd lead again.
Prayers for the Day
A Prayer for Renewal in the Shepherd’s Care
Lord, you are my Shepherd, and I lack nothing. {pause}
When the day feels heavy, lead me beside your still waters. {pause}
Restore my soul where it has grown weary. {pause}
Teach me to walk through the rest of this day in your peace. Amen. {pause}
A Prayer for Guidance and Trust
God, thank you for guiding me even when I can’t see the path clearly. {pause}
Help me to trust your leading more than my own plans. {pause}
When I am uncertain, remind me that your goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life. {pause}
Keep my heart calm, my steps steady, and my eyes fixed on you. Amen. {pause}
A Prayer for Those Who Need Comfort
Lord, be near to those walking through dark valleys today. {pause}
Let them feel your presence beside them and your strength within them. {pause}
Surround the hurting, the lonely, and the anxious with your peace that restores. {pause}
Lead us all toward your house, where we dwell forever in your love. Amen. {pause}
Kid’s Prayer: God Is My Shepherd
Dear God, thank you for being my Shepherd. {pause}
Help me to follow you and trust you today. {pause}
Keep me safe and help me be kind. Amen. {pause}
See Also
Morning Prayer: My Voice You Hear in the Morning — Begin your day with prayer and quiet trust.
Night Prayer in the Psalms — 4, 23, and 91 — End the day with peace from God’s Word.
Day Prayer in the Psalms: He Restores My Soul — Continue the journey of renewal and rest.
