Psalm 23

God, you are my shepherd,
I want nothing more.
You give me green meadows,
        where there is no fear, or friction in the flock,
        where there are no flies or parasites to harass me;
you lead me beside restful waters,
        where I cannot be swept away by the current,
        water bogging down my wool until I drown.
You refresh my spirit.
You guide me to lush new pastures
        that I can't overgraze, or wear ruts into,
        in my sheeplike heedlessness.

Even if I'm surrounded by shadows of Death,
        with ravines, and cliffs, and predators lying in wait,
I fear no danger, for you are with me.
Your rod keeps me from wandering away from you,
        and your staff fends off predators —
you give me courage.

You make a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies,
and you generously spread healing oil on my head,
        to keep away the flies, and to soothe my sunburn —
I am bursting with joy!
Only goodness and lovingkindness
will pursue me
all the days of my life.
and I will be a sheep in your tents, God,
world without end.

— Translation by Mary W. Matthews, M.T.S. (Septuagint)
and the Rev. Pat V. Pickett, D.Min. (Masoretic).