My heart was tired and needed a place to rest. My was mind weary from carrying thoughts in circles, asking questions that could not be answered, worrying over things that were not mine to hold. I knew I could get stuck there; I often have. But today as I folded laundry at my bed I found a path to rest.
I have mentioned before that I’m learning to pray the Psalms, learning to find a home in prayers that others have written. I’m still learning. My friend Hallie, a writer and pray-er, invited me to a new way to pray the psalms, another way to let my soul steep in God through words and beauty and poetry.
It was in a class, and she asked us to take Psalm 23, and line by line rewrite it in our own words. Each line, each thought, I took and I asked what it meant for me right now. What does it mean that Jesus restores my soul? That he prepares a table for me? It was simple and I did it in fifteen minutes in a room full of women all doing the same thing, but the result was beautiful to me and powerful. It’s become a prayer I can pray when all the words in my head are hurried, fearful, or angry; or when I am too tired to have words. And as I pray the lines I remember things that I know, but sometimes forget; I remember who I am and whom I belong to; and my heart can still.
Here is my prayer. Take it if you want to, or go make your own.
I belong to you, my shepherd, and that is all I need.
I rest with you, sheltered and nourished.
I follow you into quiet places;
I am made whole in your presence.
You lead me into goodness and beauty
–because you are like that.
When I feel unsure and lost,
when darkness hangs heavy around me–
I remember that I am yours and you are here.
I lift my head and breathe deeply of your love.
I will wait for your touch and receive courage at your direction.
You offer me abundant provision along with your protection.
You bless me with beauty and love;
I have everything I need and more.
I will live a life of abundance simply because of your grace,
and in the end you will bring me to live with you in your home.
Beautiful, and powerful!
Thank you, Kendra.
Just now found your page and read this. It is beautiful and I am so glad you finding our Lord so near and ready to respond to your needs. I pray for you and your precious Family. Lots of love, Grandma Flokstra
Thank you, Grandma! I love hearing from you on here.