Make a symphony of prayer out of the Psalms, Pope encouragesRaymond Studzinski:The Bible is an encounter with the divine"."For until then they had not understood the Scripture, that he was to rise from the dead."The Catechism of the Catholic Church, in its number 2588, affirms that each psalm "is of such sobriety that men of every condition and of all times can truly pray with it".
In them we can see many situations common to all men, such as: suffering, joy, family, friendship, work, etc.; and they teach us that we can turn them all into a reason for prayer.
Specifically, the Psalm 23According to the Greco-Latin dating, it is one of the most commented and prayed psalms both by the Jewish and Christian tradition. It is a psalm of thanksgiving; a poem that reflects very well the religious attitude of the man who recognizes God, his action in his own life, emphasizing the confidence in Him.
Comments on Psalm 23 (22) that can help meditation
1) The Lord is my shepherd -first image
The psalmist calls God his shepherd. "The image refers to a climate of trust, intimacy and tenderness: the shepherd knows his sheep one by one, he calls them by name and they follow him because they recognize and trust him (cfr. Jn 10, 2-4). He takes care of them, he guards them as precious goods, ready to defend them, to guarantee their well-being, to allow them to live in peace. Nothing can be lacking if the shepherd is with them" (Benedict XVI, General Audience, October 5, 2011).
2) Nothing is missing
In Israel, as in most of the Middle East, neither water nor pastures are plentiful. But in the presence of the Lord - the Good Shepherd - nothing is lacking. He knows where to find food and drink, for his priority is his flock.
3) In green meadows he makes me rest
In the Song of Solomon 1:7 we read: "Tell me where you feed the flock, where you lead them to rest at noon." For the good Shepherd leads his sheep to obtain abundant pasture, being also a very comfortable place to rest.
4) Into calm waters he guides me
These are sources of still water, but not only for drinking and refreshment, but also for cleansing. Throughout the Bible we find many times the symbol of thirst to speak of God's desire. For example, in Psalm 42:2-3: "As the hind seeks streams of water, so my soul seeks you, my God. My soul thirsts for God.
5) It comforts my soul
After the weariness of the day, his care comforts us. In this sense, Psalm 27 presents a similar idea: "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is my strength and my power; who shall make me tremble? Though the wicked rise up against me... He will gather me into his tent... Though my father and mother forsake me, He will take me in."
6) He leads me along straight paths for the honor of his name
Even though I walk through dark valleys, I fear no evil.
"We too, like the Psalmist, if we walk behind the good Shepherd, even if the paths of our life prove difficult, tortuous or long, often even through spiritually deserted areas, without water and with a sun of burning rationalism, under the guidance of the good Shepherd, Christ, we must be sure to go along the righteous paths, and that the Lord guides us, is always near us and we will lack nothing." (Benedict XVI, General Audience, October 5, 2011).
7) Because you are with me
Here we come to a central part of the psalm. The reason why one feels safe, without fear, even when going through the darkness of life, is the following affirmation: "You are with me", this is the most important thing. Psalm 118 also affirms the same idea: "If the Lord is with me, I am not afraid; what can man do to me?". Benedict XVI says: "the closeness of God transforms reality, the dark valley loses all danger, is emptied of all threat". (Cfr. Benedict XVI, General Audience, October 5, 2011).
8) Thy rod and thy staff comfort me
David was king and shepherd. Surely the staff and the staff refer to God the Savior, liberator, guide of the people, in reference to the departure from Egypt.
9) You prepare a table for me in front of my adversaries. -second image
We now enter the shepherd's tent. "The vision is coherent and engenders a few archetypal symbols: hospitality, feasting with food and drink, home." The Lord is presented as a divine guest. "It is a gesture of sharing not only food but also life, in an offering of communion and friendship that creates bonds and expresses solidarity" (Cfr. Alonso Schokel, L. and Carniti, Psalms I, translations, interpretations and commentariesBenedict XVI, General Audience, October 5, 2011).
10) Anoint my head with oil
At that time, anointing a visitor - who arrived tired from a long and tiring day - was a great manifestation of affection and appreciation. The oil with perfumed essences gives freshness and soothes the skin. The New Testament (cf. Matthew 26) shows us that in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, a woman made a gesture that was highly appreciated by the Lord: she poured an alabaster jar of perfumes on him. How much the Lord appreciated this gesture!
11) And my cup runneth over
What does this figure entail? Benedict XVI says: "The overflowing chalice adds a festive note, with its exquisite wine, shared with superabundant generosity. Food, oil, wine: these are gifts that give life and joy because they go beyond what is strictly necessary and express the gratuitousness and abundance of love" (Benedict XVI, General Audience, October 5, 2011).
12) Your goodness and mercy accompany me.
Every day of my life
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for a long time.
"God's goodness and faithfulness are the escort that accompanies the psalmist who leaves the tent and sets out again on his journey. But it is a journey that takes on a new meaning, and becomes a pilgrimage towards the temple of the Lord, the holy place where the pray-er wants to "dwell" forever and to which he wants to return" (Benedict XVI, General Audience, October 5, 2011).
By way of concluding these comments, it is important to emphasize that Psalm 23 acquires its full meaning after Jesus said: "I am the good shepherd" (Jn 10:11,14). With Him, who has already prepared for us the table of the Eucharist, and under His guidance, we hope to reach the green pastures of His Kingdom, to full happiness (Cfr. Commentary on the Holy Bible, EUNSA, Faculty of Theology, University of Navarra).
Some tips for praying with Psalm 23
First, read it calmly. Second, read the commentaries that the bibles usually have on the text in order to have a correct interpretation and a good complement for prayer. Third, meditate on it; it may help you to answer the following questions in dialogue with God:
- What strikes you about the text, how does it challenge you, what does it say to you?
- Does it lead you to notice God's presence at your side, to abandon yourself to him, to be more grateful?
- How do you deal with your difficulties, sorrows, pains and worries? How would you like to react to them?
Prayer of St. Teresa of Avila
"Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things pass away, God is not moved, patience achieves all things, he who has God lacks nothing, God alone is enough."
Both Psalm 23 (22) and St. Teresa's prayer invite us to rest in God's provision and protection. He is our sure guide, he is always with us. God is pure love, loves us unconditionally and is always ready to forgive and restore us.
Both are a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and unfailing love for us, and invite us to trust fully in His care and provision in all of life's circumstances.
A purpose
After meditating on Psalm 23 (22), you can ask yourself what purpose I would like to make with God, with my family, with my friends, with my community, etc.? One of them could be to ask for and maintain peace, which will be the fruit of abandoning oneself to God, especially in the moments of difficulty that arise during the day. Also, to transmit that peace to others; as Mother Teresa of Calcutta said: "May no one ever come to you without leaving feeling a little better and happier."
Bachelor of Theology from the University of Navarra. Licentiate in Spiritual Theology from the University of the Holy Cross, Rome.
