Adapted from Psalm 23

Leader: God, You are my shepherd, I shall not want.

People: You make me lie down in green pastures; You lead me beside still waters; You restore my soul. You lead me in right paths for Your name’s sake.

Leader: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

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

Leader: Let us worship the Lord.

(Ps 23:1-3, 5-6 (ESV, pronouns changed for liturgical use), Ps 23:4 (NIV))

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  Adapted from Psalm 16:5-9, 11

Leader: The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

All: I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.

Leader: I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.

All: You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Submitted by Dustin Ray 

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Adapted from Psalm 119

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.  

Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees. 

With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. 

I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.  

I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.  

I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. 

For your word is a lamp for my feet, and light for my path.  

Submitted by Austin D. Hill (Psalm 119:10-16, 105, NIV, adapted for liturgical use)

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Adapted from Proverbs 1:2-7

Leader:        For attaining wisdom and instruction,

                      for understanding words of insight,

People:       Let the wise listen and add to their learning,

                    and let the discerning get guidance

Leader:        for understanding proverbs and parables,

                      the saying and riddles of the wise.

People:       The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

                    but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

All:              Let us worship God!

Submitted by Chip Hardwick

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Adapted from Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart 

And lean not on your own understanding. 

In all your ways submit to him 

And he will make your paths straight. 

We submit ourselves to you as you have gathered us in worship, O God. Please help us to develop our trust in you. Let your will be our will. 

Submitted by Austin D. Hill

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In the midst of new dimensions, in the face of changing ways

Who will lead your pilgrim people, wandering in their separate ways?

God of rainbow, fiery pillar, leading where the eagles soar.

We your people, ours the journey, now and evermore.

Submitted by Austin D. Hill

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Psalm 23, The Message translation

Leader: God, my shepherd!  I don’t need a thing.

People: You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.

Leader: True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.

People: Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.

Leader: You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.

People: Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.

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