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Psalm 23, read aloud
Psalm 23: The LORD is my shepherd
Six verses, under a minute. Listen to all of Psalm 23 read slowly, and read along below.
That was Psalm 23.
In Linen, 40 psalms are read like this at bedtime, by Mia or by James, with a sleep timer.
Free to download, iPhone only for now. The bedtime psalms are part of Linen Premium: $6.99 a month or $39.99 a year, and the yearly plan starts with a 7-day free trial. Psalm 23 is free in the app.
Psalm 23 World English Bible
A Psalm by David.
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4Even 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.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over.
6Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the LORD’s house forever.
About Psalm 23
Psalm 23 is a psalm of David, and probably the best-known chapter in the Bible. It is short enough to learn by heart: six verses that move from a shepherd's field, through a dark valley, to a table set in God's house.
Notice where the voice changes. For three verses David talks about God: “He makes me lie down,” “He leads me,” “He restores my soul.” In verse 4, in the valley of the shadow of death, he stops talking about God and starts talking to him: “you are with me.” The psalm becomes most personal at its darkest point.
The World English Bible, read here, says “I shall lack nothing” where older translations say “I shall not want,” and “loving kindness” where many say “mercy.” The Hebrew word behind “follow” in the last verse is a strong one, closer to “pursue.” Goodness is not trailing along behind. It is coming after you.
When to read Psalm 23
- At bedtime, when the day will not let go of you.
- Before a funeral, a hospital visit, or any appointment you are dreading.
- When you want to pray and have no words of your own.
A prayer from Psalm 23
Lord, you are my shepherd. Lead me beside still waters tonight, and restore my soul. Where I am walking through a dark valley, let me know that you are with me. Let your goodness and loving kindness follow me all the days of my life. Amen.