Throughout Lent in 2023, we spent time reading Psalm 23 and we encouraged you to try writing your own paraphrase inspired by that Psalm. Here are a few of your versions. Thanks for sending them in!
This first one, was a beautiful group effort worked on together by small group members: Sheila Anderson, Bonnie Bruneau, Liz Cox, Aileen Huss, Leila Sheocharan, Janet Simpson, Evelyn Sutton, Sylvia de Vlaming, and Bonnie Zimmer.
The Lord is my life guide.
You give me everything I need.
You provide times of relaxation when I can lie down in the beauty of nature, in safe comfortable places of tranquility, and in calm environments.
You direct me along right paths bringing honour to your name.
Even when I have sadness or life difficulties, you comfort me, lift me up and provide the tools I need to carry on.
In all circumstances, your generosity is overwhelming, even in front of those who wish me harm.
You treat me like royalty. You have blessed me abundantly.
I am confident that your mercy and blessings will be with me throughout my life, and I will live forever in God’s house.
Aileen Huss contributed this wonderful version, which she shared with her small group. You can see what her group incorporated from Aileen’s composition.
The Lord is my life guide
I have all that I need
He lets me rest in soft comfort
He keeps me safe in busy streets
He energizes me
He shows me the correct way to honour His name.
Even when I walk through the darkest places
I will not be afraid, Because you are beside me
Your gentle arms hold and protect me
You have a banquet for me
While my enemies watch
You treat me like a special guest
Putting oil on my head
My heart overflows with your blessings
I am sure your love will always be there
And I will live forever in God’s house.
Ann Brough contributed this lovely paraphrase, starting it with a line from a favourite hymn:
All I have needed your hand has provided.
I am still! I feel you near me.
Your peace washes over me like cool water, and I am comforted.
When I read your word, you remind me that you love me.
Even on the darkest days you whisper assurance that you are God and I am your beloved daughter.
Your love will be with me for ever.
Erin Whittaker wrote this powerful version, which she shared with the congregation at the beginning of Lent.
God takes care of me. I know that I’ll have the things I truly need as I need them. When I trust God, I can be at peace, knowing that despite all the worries and stresses I am taken care of, loved and cared for. When I run at full steam, God is there, waiting for me, to come to him, breathe, drink, and rest.
When I follow God’s path, spent time with him and with the church, I find strength to make decisions and take actions more inline with his plan for me and for our world. I can do the big hard scary things knowing that God is with me and all of a sudden, they’re over.
My brain creates monsters, spends time thinking of problems that haven’t even happened yet, and then God says, come, eat, fill yourself on the things that matter, and remember all that you have received. I smile, I am full of joy, and I can’t help but share that joy with others. Living this way feels right. This is how I want to live my life. Basking in the goodness and mercy of God. Forever and always.