Welcome.
I'm Laura Collins,
And I'm so glad that you're taking this time for yourself.
In these moments of quiet meditation,
I'll be using two interpretations of the 23rd Psalm,
The second one written by Nan Merrill,
And I'll repeat each one.
As you listen,
I invite you to let your mind pause on any word or phrase that stirs you.
Don't worry about listening to everything I say.
Just let your heart hear what it needs to hear.
And now take a moment to relax.
Take a deep breath in and let it out with a sigh.
Do that again.
Get very comfortable.
Whether you're sitting or lying down,
Maybe you're getting ready to fall asleep,
Do a quick,
Gentle scan over your body,
And notice if you're holding any tension,
Maybe in your jaw or around your eyes,
In your shoulders or your belly.
Anywhere you notice yourself holding on or clenching,
See if you can let go and relax a little more deeply with each breath.
And as you are relaxing,
Listen to the 23rd Psalm.
The Holy is my shepherd.
I have everything I need.
She makes me lie down in green pastures.
She leads me beside still waters.
She restores my soul.
She leads me on right paths for love's sake.
Even when I walk through the darkest valleys,
I will not be afraid.
You are here with me.
Your protection comforts me.
You set a feast for me in the midst of all that frightens me.
You anoint my head with oil.
My cup overflows.
I'm sure goodness and grace will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in love's house forever.
The Holy is my shepherd.
I have everything I need.
I have everything I need.
She makes me lie down in green pastures.
She leads me beside still waters.
She restores my soul.
She restores my soul.
She leads me on right paths for love's sake.
Even when I walk through the darkest valleys,
I will not be afraid,
For you are with me.
I will not be afraid,
For you are with me.
Your protection comforts me.
You set a feast for me in the midst of all that frightens me and anoint my head with oil.
My cup overflows.
I'm sure goodness and grace will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in love's house forever.
Oh,
My beloved,
You are my shepherd.
I shall not want you bring me to green pastures for rest and lead me beside still waters.
Renewing my spirit,
You restore my soul.
You lead me in the path of goodness to follow love's way.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow and of death,
I am not afraid,
For you are ever with me.
Your rod and your staff,
They guide me.
They give me strength and comfort.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of all my fears.
You bless me with oil.
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,
And I shall dwell in the heart of the beloved forever.
Oh,
My beloved,
You're my shepherd.
I shall not want you bring me to green pastures for rest and lead me beside still waters.
Renewing my spirit,
You restore my soul.
You lead me in the path of goodness to follow love's way.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow and of death,
I am not afraid.
I am not afraid,
For you are ever with me.
Your rod and your staff,
They guide me.
They give me strength and comfort.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of all my fears.
You bless me with oil.
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,
And I shall dwell in the heart of the beloved forever.
Forever I shall dwell in the heart of my beloved.
