Psalm 22. LXX
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
In green pastures he makes me a home, he nourishes me beside still water.
He uplifts my soul, he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Though I walk in the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest me a table in my persecutors’ presence, thou anointest my head with oil, and the cup thou givest me to drink – how supremely good it is!
And thy mercy shall pursue me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the Lord’s house for the length of my days.
The good shepherd and guide of my soul,
The fullness of all things.
My heart, hollow, overflows
Being drawn by you.
Spring green
Erupts beside sweet water,
Rooted within immortal life.
Having seen,
In a single moment my soul was changed,
Led into the sweetness of your name –
Jesus,
Savior and sure footing.
Sure footing in grief,
in shadows,
in night.
In hell,
Where evil wields a sharp knife
And bears its fangs.
So I would obey it.
But in your presence the blade is revealed as wax
And I am freed from damning bondage.
Iron fetters dissolving into mist.
O Meek shepherd of my soul,
there is no need for you to strike –
Destroy evil with a glance!
O great and enduring comfort!
A table is let down from heaven,
A gift heavier than the world entire
With bread and wine –
Your own flesh and blood.
A table that endures meekly all the assaults of the enemy,
Withstanding them with joy.
Partaking of these holy things
Restores a bright countenance,
A gift to look you in the eye with flashing love.
Your mercy pursues,
and waits,
like the father for his wasteful son.
You created a house,
Asking only that I make it my home.
The length of my days is too short a time Lord,
may it be for eternity.