If there is one universal throughout Christianity, it is our struggle with prayer. How do we effectively approach the very Creator of the Universe?
We have been gifted within the Catholic tradition with 2000 years of the most beautiful and profound prayers ever composed. And central within that treasury are the Psalms of the Old Testament.
The psalms were 150 prayers composed by David to God the Father – ranging from gratitude to laments. The Psalms are also central to the Divine Office that the clergy prays daily. But perhaps most significantly, these are the prayers that Jesus would have learned to pray living as a Jew is his day.
Let’s reread one of the most familiar Psalms, Psalm 23, featured on Thursday this second week of Lent. Instead of just reading it, let’s PRAY it, picturing Jesus right beside us and praying along with us.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Your prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Amen.
#lent #prayer