Psalm 23: you cannot deny its beauty. And this psalm has helped me through some difficult times. It is ever-comforting in any situation. As you know, Psalm 23 is one of the most popular psalms. It has been featured in countless Hollywood films and the first verse is easily recognizable, even for people who are not well-versed with the Bible. This Psalm 23 Printable is the perfect PDF to print for memorization or to frame as a gift.
Found in Popular Movies and TV
Most people have heard the first line, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” From the film, The War of the Worlds (1953) to the TV show, Little House on the Prairie, this psalm is famous. Many scriptures, especially psalms, are so beautiful and can stand alone like Psalm 23. But this psalm stands alone for many reasons, especially two: its length and its meanings.
Short and Sweet (which makes Psalm 23 the perfect printable)
Psalm 23 has only 6 verses. It is quick to read and easy to memorize. By reading Psalm 23, you can say a quick prayer. It is beautiful, meaningful, and powerful. Psalm 23 is a short, sweet way to sing God’s power over us and faithfulness to us.
Psalm 23: What does it mean?
Psalm 23 is rich in meaning and you can unpack it endlessly. King David wrote this psalm and showed the utmost reverence with his words. It reads like a poem. Let’s break down each verse.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In this psalm, King David calls our Lord a Good Shepherd. Later, Jesus references God the Father and himself as the Good Shepherd as well. It is a lovely analogy, comparing God to a shepherd: firm when leading, but still kind and loving. Just as sheep who follow their shepherd do not need anything for safety and security when they fully trust their shepherd, we want for nothing when we fully trust in God.
“He restoreth my soul…”
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures,
He leadeth me beside the still waters;
He restoreth my soul.
These descriptions are tranquil and calming. When we trust in God, we are at peace. God’s love restores us whenever we are troubled. His love is like calming waters when we deal with chaotic or stressful situations in our loves.
“He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Again, God leads us where we need to go and leads us to goodness if we pay attention and follow his way. If we do everything in God’s name, according to His will, we will live good, happy lives. We will take the best, straightest path to Heaven.
“…I will fear no evil.”
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for Thou art with me.
This verse is so empowering and encouraging because we can all relate. Even though we may go through the worst situations, we do not need to be afraid of anything! If we have faith in God’s plan and God’s protection over us, we know that we can get through anything. We know that any difficult situations are only challenges that strengthen us. They are trials that test our faithfulness to God, making us better and holier people. And God never abandons us.
“…in the presence of mine enemies…”
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.
God’s commandments serve as boundaries that protect us and keep us safe. It is overrated to have no rules, even if modern society tells us otherwise. It can be a comfort to know what God expects and not feel like we have to guess what we need to do to be with Him in Heaven. Also, God will always provide what we need and prepare us with the strength and tools we need, even when we worry that we are weak among our enemies. God is always there, supporting us and nurturing us.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me…”
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Again, God continues to bless us over and over again. This verse is a beautiful expression of thanksgiving for our blessings and confidence that God will continue to be with us always.
How to Use This Psalm 23 Printable
This printable is PERFECT for many situations!
- memorization: Memorize this psalm as a prayer that you can say every day! I remember memorizing this prayer in middle school and it provided me comfort, even if I did not fully understand its meaning, word for word. I also felt proud and accomplished that I could memorize it. Years later, I taught it to my children. This is a great prayer to teach as a homeschool lesson or in your classroom.
- framed gift: The printable below will make a great gift, both thoughtful and affordable. You can pick up an inexpensive certificate frame at the dollar store and bring it to a birthday, anniversary, or celebration of life. (Do you need another birthday present? Say this birthday prayer for a friend! Are you attending a wedding anniversary party? Here’s a great wedding anniversary prayer you can say for the couple.)
- journal reflection: Perhaps you need a prayer in the morning to start you off on the right foot or a prayer in the evening before you go to bed. You can journal with this Psalm 23 printable, asking God to help you to trust in Him and to always be faithful in Him. Share your worries and concerns, asking him to lead you to the right paths for His name’s sake.
Psalm 23 Printable
Download your free printable here: Psalm 23 PDF PRINTABLE – The Lord is My Shepherd – Life with the Saints
Psalm 23 Beautiful Meditative Recitation Video
If you want a beautiful video to accompany this psalm that you can watch during personal prayer, check this one out. It’s also great for a retreat or Bible study!
Let me know how I can pray for you! I would love your prayers for my family and me as well. If you want to learn more about my journey, you can read about it here.
