Yahweh Roi: Praying to God as Shepherd (September 21)

# Means

# How the Psalm Frames Prayer

# Practical Reflection Exercises

Ann Spangler recommends concrete imaginative reading of the psalm as a spiritual practice.

• Read the first three sentences slowly and imagine being the sheep: what you see, feel, and what "restore the soul" means in your life.
• Read the fourth sentence slowly and again imagine being the sheep. Note the change in scene and feeling.
• Reflect on why the psalmist introduces the image of a table and how believing that "goodness and kindness will follow" would change daily living.

# Biblical and Cultural Context

# A Short Prayer Model

# Faith

The shepherd image supplies concrete language for feelings of lack, exhaustion, fear, and need for direction. Using Psalm 23 in prayer reshapes those feelings into trust—resting in provision, following guidance, accepting protection, and expecting goodness. The devotional invites routine practice: slow, imaginal reading of scripture, paired with brief, specific prayer rooted in the psalm's images.