Meditations: “Psalm 23: A Prayer Dialogue between Chaplain and Patient”

Chaplain (C): The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.

Patient (P): There is so much that I want. I want to be well.

C: He makes me lie down in green pastures.

P: I am tired of laying here. I wish I could get out of bed.

C: He leads me beside still waters.

P: I feel like I'm in a whirlpool.

C: He restores my soul.

P: Restore my health, too, Lord.

C: He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.

P: I feel lost.

C: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me.

P: Please don't leave me. I'm afraid and it is lonely and dark at night.

C: Your rod and staff support me.

P: It's seems like such a long journey, Lord.

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

P: I hope my appetite comes back.

C: You anoint my head with oil.

P: Please wipe my brow with a cool cloth.

C: My cup overflows.

P: My mouth is so dry, may I have a drink of water?

C: Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.

P: How many days will that be?

C: And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

P: Help me to go home, Lord.

C: Amen.

P: Amen.

This translation of Psalm 23 is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.