Psalm 23

1    The Lord is my shepherd;  ♦

therefore can I lack nothing.

2    He makes me lie down in green pastures  ♦

and leads me beside still waters.

3    He shall refresh my soul  ♦

and guide me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4    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.

5    You spread a table before me

    in the presence of those who trouble me;  ♦

you have anointed my head with oil

    and my cup shall be full.

6    Surely goodness and loving mercy shall follow me

    all the days of my life,  ♦

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is included here,
is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2000 and published by Church House Publishing.