The Lord is my Shepherd: Sheep are stubborn, fearful, and crowd followers, like people. We need a shepherd to lead us. We must surrender our life and work to God.
Lord, you are my Shepherd. I place myself and my words under your authority.
I shall not want: God is all sufficient. When we trust God to provide for us, we can let go of the wants of ego. He redefines success.
Lord help me to want what you want for me and for my work.
He makes me lie down in green pastures: Writing is endless and the refreshment of rest and renewal is essential.
Help me find the balance of work and rest.
He leads me beside still waters: We know the difference between our own exertion and divine filling when the words flow like gentle waters.
Lead me to inspiration and fill me to overflowing with your words.
He restores my soul: We are strongest in the areas where we have been healed.
Restore my spirit, Lord. Heal me that I may heal others.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake: He provides that daily connection that guides us in the truth, as we write–for His glory, not ours.
Help me always to know the truth and to remember that I do my work for your glory, not mine.
Even 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: We give deeply of ourselves and our experiences, making us vulnerable and easily hurt. We fear exposure and criticism and we receive it, but we don’t need to fear it.
Protect my heart, Lord. Help me to be bold in my work and not to fear criticism.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil: God gives us provision in the midst of our problems and he continues to protect us.
Thank you for your provision. Anoint my head to protect me from the small things – the annoyances and thoughts that distract me.
My cup overflows: Every good gift comes from God–the good days, the letters and notes of encouragement from readers, the joy of seeing a life change because of the words He has provided.
Thank you, Lord, for this work and the abundance in life with you.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever: It is not for this world that we write. It is for eternity.
Lord, accept the offering of my words. Use them as you will. Lead me, provide for me, protect me. I will follow.
Amen
Betsy Duffey and Laurie Myers: The Writing Sisters
WordServe Water Cooler 
I needed this post today. Thank you for the inspiration!
Thanks, Ginny!
Excellent thoughts and post. Prayer is vital to every facet of our lives. Imagine someone you love not ever speaking to you. That’s how God must feel when we don’t pray.
Blessings on your day,
janet
I agree, Janet. I love the idea that prayer is a conversation. Thanks for your comment.
Thank you, Laurie and Betsy…I’m printing this one.
Psalm 23 is a meaningful post to me because my blog is dedicated for the Lord’s glory. I trust Him to lead and guide my writing and the choices of my reblogs from other writers. And I see God doing it because it is HIS blog. I strive to honor Him by being thrilled with the readers who stop by and read my posts, more than a desire to find ‘Followers’, though I have found some friends who regularly view my posts. Thanks for the opportunity to share here! God bless you!
I love the way you describe your blog and your trust in God to lead you. Thank you for sharing this.
You’re welcome! \o/
Wow. My pastor preached Psalms 23 today as his Father’s Day message. Twice in one day. I think the Lord is speaking! Thanks!
This is a good Psalm to go to sleep to, in fact I did so last night. And I use much the same method: say a line of the Psalm followed by how God’s stated promise was part of your day or week. It helps me to focus on God and trust in his provision, care, and leading. And it stills your mind and soul from looping-anxiety thoughts and emotions.Thank you for reiterating it again this morning.
I love this post. I feel as if I’ve unexpectedly journeyed into a wellspring of inspiration that’s igniting my passion for writing–and trusting, and praying, and resting! I began a blog, but I’m on the last leg of my education, and am holding off from moving forward with it full throttle till I’m done next spring. Thank you for your uplifting, encouraging and challenging streams of life!! I’ll follow!!
Great post! God bless you for posting!
i love this! it’s been a while since the last time i blogged but i love this and it’s really put my writing into perspective!