Morning Prayer — Psalm 23

 


“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

It’s one of those lines we know so well that we stop hearing it. And sometimes we quietly wonder: Does this mean God gives me everything I desire? Everything I long for? Everything I think I need?

If only it were that simple.

“Shepherd” is the key that unlocks the verse. A shepherd doesn’t indulge the sheep; he guides, protects, corrects, and provides what is truly necessary. A sheep may want to wander into a ravine, eat something poisonous, or bolt toward danger — but the shepherd’s job is to give the sheep what leads to life, not what satisfies impulse.

So “I shall not want” isn’t a promise of unlimited fulfillment. It’s a promise of enoughness.

Enough strength for the day. Enough guidance for the next step. Enough mercy to cover yesterday. Enough hope to keep going.

It’s the quiet assurance that under God’s care, I will not lack what is needed for the path He is actually leading me on — even if that path doesn’t match the one I imagined.

Today’s prayer:

Lord, be my shepherd in the places where I don’t know what I need. Teach my heart to rest in Your provision rather than my wish list. Let “I shall not want” be not a demand, but a trust. Amen.


Read more Morning Prayer posts: MSI Press Blog

Note about Morning Prayer: Each morning prayer post reflects on one phrase from the Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. which can be found in the iBreviary (a downloadable app), Universalis (website) or Divine Office (publication and website). Post may be assisted by AI in image generation and content (research and/or wording).


Morning Prayer posts inspired by Being Catholic in Troubled Times (Dennis Ortman)


Book Description:

These are times that try our souls. This book is addressed to all, not just Catholics, who search for deeper meaning in tough times. Our age is marked by division and alienation. We long for some message that will bring peace to our world and our hearts.

This book suggests that the Catholic faith can provide strength in these troubled times. The word "catholic" means "all-embracing, universal." Nothing is excluded in the catholic mind. The truth that sets us free can be found everywhere, especially in unexpected places. It is often hidden in plain sight. In our darkest moments, we find new light and life. When we are most despairing, a ray of hope shines through.



Dr. Dennis Ortman, former priest and current psychologist, is the author of Anger Anonymous, Anxiety Anonymous, Depression Anonymous, Being Catholic in Troubled Times, and Life, Liberty, and COVID-19.


For more posts by and about Dennis and his award-winning books, click HERE.



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