Psalms teaches God’s people to pray, worship, lament, remember, confess, and trust. It is both deeply personal and richly theological.
Read the passage before comparing your answers with the worked notes. Each example separates what the text says, how its meaning follows from context, and one possible response. Use a Bible and paper or your preferred study tool.
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
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Read the whole psalm. Its opening picture of a shepherd develops through rest, guidance, danger, hospitality, and a lasting home with the LORD. Notice that the valley and enemies remain in the picture; the speaker’s confidence does not depend on their disappearance.
Question: What does the shepherd do, and what changes in verse 4?
Example answer: Verses 1–3 describe provision, rest, restoration, and guidance. In verse 4 the speaker addresses God directly as “You” while describing danger. The reason given for not fearing is God’s presence. Verses 5–6 add a prepared table, goodness, mercy, and dwelling with the LORD. Write the verse number beside each observation before drawing a conclusion.
Question: Does “I shall not want” mean every wish will be granted?
Example answer: The rest of the psalm explains the opening claim through the shepherd’s care. The valley in verse 4 and enemies in verse 5 rule out reading it as a promise of an effortless life. The speaker trusts God’s provision and presence within danger. That conclusion comes from following the images through the whole psalm, rather than treating its first line as a separate guarantee.
One possible response: “Before tomorrow’s difficult appointment, I will reread verse 4, name my fear in prayer, and ask a trusted friend to accompany me if possible. I will not measure God’s presence by whether the appointment is easy.” This responds to the reason the speaker gives for courage: God is with him. Your situation and next step may differ.
Try it yourself: Where do the images and the way of addressing God change?
Mark the shepherd image, the direct address in the valley, and the table and home imagery. Read the psalm aloud and explain how these parts develop confidence. Let the entire poem shape your prayer rather than collecting its most comforting line.
Do not promise wealth, perfect health, or freedom from hardship from this psalm. Its poetry expresses trust in God’s care while acknowledging real danger.
LORD, teach me to trust Your care and presence in the circumstances I cannot control.
After trying your response, return to the passage: what did you learn, what did you do, and what still needs thought? You can revise your notes as your understanding grows.
Psalms gives language for joy, fear, grief, repentance, thanksgiving, worship, and confidence in the Lord.
Read each psalm as poetry and prayer. Notice parallel lines, images, emotional movement, repeated words, and how the psalm addresses God.
Use Lectio Divina or SOAP when praying through a psalm, and use word study for repeated themes such as refuge, steadfast love, and righteousness.
Begin with Psalm 1, Psalm 23, Psalm 27, Psalm 51, Psalm 103, and Psalm 139.
Psalms works well with Lectio Divina, SOAP, word study, and topical study.
Use this checklist to pray and study with care.
Open Psalm 23:1-6 with Lectio Divina in Bible Study Tutor. Read the whole poem and write your own response before comparing it with the worked example.
Read each psalm as poetry and prayer, noticing images, movement, repeated words, and how the psalm speaks to God.
Psalm 1, Psalm 23, Psalm 27, Psalm 46, Psalm 51, Psalm 103, and Psalm 139 are helpful starter psalms.
Yes. The Psalms teach honest prayer, including praise, lament, confession, thanksgiving, and trust.
Lectio Divina, SOAP, word study, and journaling all work well with Psalms.
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Try Psalm 23 yourself