A Meditation Based on the 23rd Psalm

O Shepherd of Israel, Who neither slumbers nor sleeps, we are the people of Your pasture and the sheep of Your hand. Enfold us safely in Your love. And if in our grief and loneliness and moments of desolation, we should stray from following You, O leave us not, faithful Shepherd, but draw us near to You.

As we face the great mystery of death which called away this our dear friend from our earthly abode, we feel our frailty, our weakness. We do not understand the brevity of life: we cannot understand why such pain and anguish of heart and mind are visited upon those we love.

Make us not despair, Eternal Father; we are called by Your Name, we are Yours, You have set thoughts of You in our hearts, though we; creatures of flesh and blood, can but dimly apprehend Your purposes. Teach us not to neglect the task of today because we cannot see its eternal effect. O teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom; to lengthen our brief life by intensity of living; to fill swift hours with worthy deeds.

Besides the still waters, through the green pastures, and in the valley where dark shadows lie, be You our strength and shield, and may we find Your rod and Your staff a stay and comfort to us in the days that lie ahead.

Amen