Improvising King Jimmy’s 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

It is to You, beloved Shepherd, that I entrust my every need.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.

You invite me to lounge in verdant fields of splendid yield. You bid me rest and from your breast flow gentle streams, refreshing every faint and fretful soul.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

In beauty you lead me according to the bounty of your Name.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.

Even through darkest fright of endless night, no threat shall confound or control me.

For thou are with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Unwavering is your presence. Confiding is your guiding staff. Restoring is your wrathless rod.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.

Your banquet feast for every least and longing heart brings respite from fearsome foes.

Thou anoinest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

The very hairs of my head arise to your caress, and my cup of provision knows no end.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

Your extravagant welcome and manifold mercy shall track my every step, whether wandering nigh or distant afar, whether lit by sun or dimly-seen star.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

And surely, ever surely—with confidence bestowed—the Most High’s habitation will be my abode.

©Ken Sehested @ prayerandpolitiks.org.