Psalm 23: The Lord Is My Shepherd
Psalm 23 is one of the best-loved psalms of David and is numbered Psalm 22 in the Greek and Latin traditions. Its image of the Lord as shepherd expresses confidence in God’s guidance, protection, refreshment, and enduring mercy. Christians also hear it in the light of Christ, who calls himself the Good Shepherd in John 10. Catholics pray this psalm in personal devotion, at funerals, in times of sickness or danger, and whenever they need renewed trust in divine providence. The Latin text comes from the Vulgate and begins Dominus regit me. Its final promise directs the heart toward life with God in his house forever.
In Latin
Dominus regit me, et nihil mihi deerit: in loco pascuæ, ibi me collocavit. Super aquam refectionis educavit me: animam meam convertit. Deduxit me super semitas justitiæ, propter nomen suum. Nam etsi ambulavero in medio umbræ mortis, non timebo mala, quoniam tu mecum es. Virga tua, et baculus tuus, ipsa me consolata sunt. Parasti in conspectu meo mensam, adversus eos qui tribulant me. Impinguasti in oleo caput meum: et calix meus inebrians, quam præclarus est! Et misericordia tua subsequetur me omnibus diebus vitæ meæ; et ut inhabitem in domo Domini, in longitudinem dierum.
When to pray it: Pray this psalm in times of fear, sickness, bereavement, or whenever you wish to renew your trust in God’s providence.