Opening question

Before we read: when you hear “The Lord Is My Shepherd,” what comes to mind from your own week?

Read together: Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV)

¹The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. ²He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. ³He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. ⁴Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. ⁵Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. ⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Discuss

1. Read Psalm 23:1-6 again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you, and why?
2. The Shepherd provides: Rest is not a reward you earn. What does this show us about God?
3. The Shepherd is with us in the valley: We walk through the valley, not into it to stay, and we do not walk alone. Where do you see this in your own life right now?
4. The Shepherd brings us home: Goodness and mercy follow us, which means they pursue us, all the days of our life. What makes this hard to believe or to live out?
5. The big idea on Sunday was: “The LORD is not just a shepherd. He is my shepherd.” How would you say that in your own words?

Live it this week

Pray Psalm 23 slowly, one verse each morning, and reach out to one person in a valley this week.

Closing prayer

Lord, thank you for Psalm 23:1-6. Help us live this out: The LORD is not just a shepherd. He is my shepherd. Be with each person in this group this week. In Jesus' name, amen.