Psalm 23: Praying Our Fear
THE WORLD IS a fearsome place. If we manage with the help of parents, teachers and friends to survive the dangers of infancy and childhood, we find ourselves launched in an adult world that is ringed with terror—accident, assault, disease, violence, conflicts. Prayer brings fear into focus and faces it. But prayer does more than bravely face fear; it affirms God's presence in it.
Warming Up to God
Spend some time trying to bring your fears into focus. Know that God is with you in the midst of your fear.
Read Psalm 23. »
Discovering the Word
- There are two large metaphors in the psalm:the shepherd (vv. 1-4) and the host (vv. 5-6). Compare and contrast these two images.
- Look carefully at the shepherd. How exactly does he care for his sheep (vv. 1-4)?
- "I fear no evil" (v. 4) is a bold statement. What does it mean for you to say that?
- Look carefully at the host. How exactly does he provide for his guest (vv. 5-6)?
Applying the Word
- Enemies are prominent in the psalm prayers and appear here. Who are your enemies?
- What is the most comforting thing that you have experienced in the life of faith?
- Psalm 23 is a weapon against fear. What fear in your life will you go to war against with this prayer as your cannon?
Responding in Prayer
Name your fears and ask Christ the Shepherd and Christ the Host to relieve them.
For Further Study
Be Not Afraid by David Ivaska