Assurance | May 17, 2019

May 17, 2019

DAILY READING

This week’s sermon text: Matthew 22:34-40

Read the psalm aloud with expression and feeling. How does this psalm compare to the way you pray when you feel like the writer does?

Psalm 23 (A psalm of David)

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

FIELD NOTES

History instructs us, the law teaches us, prophecy foretells, correction punishes, morality persuades; but the book of psalms goes further than all of these. It is the medicine for our spiritual health. Whoever reads it will find in it a medicine to cure the wounds caused by his own particular passions. Whoever studies it deeply will find it a kind of gymnasium open for all souls to use, where different psalms are like different exercises set out before him.  In that gymnasium, in that stadium of virtue, he can choose the exercises that will train him best to win the victor’s crown.  [Saint. Ambrose of Milan]

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD 

Consider these questions as you reread the psalm:

• Is there a promise to claim?
• Is there a lesson to learn?
• Is there a blessing to enjoy?
• Is there a command to obey?
• Is there a sin to avoid?
• Is there a new thought to carry with me?

PRAYER GUIDE

Savior, like a shepherd, lead us. We are fully in your care…trusting your voice and guidance; calmly standing with you whether facing a dangerous storm or grazing in a sunny meadow.  I know I am safe in your love because I accept your Presence. I have chosen to follow you all the way home. Amen.