In this meditation, we return to the ancient contemplative practice of Lectio Divina, or divine reading, using one of the most familiar phrases from the Christian tradition: “The Lord is my shepherd.”
Lectio Divina invites us to remain with a short piece of sacred text rather than simply reading or analysing it. By gently repeating and exploring its words, the thinking mind is given an anchor while deeper awareness is allowed to move towards stillness.
After settling into the body and breath, we begin with the words of Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” We slowly explore the phrase, resting first with the image of the Lord and then with the shepherd as an image of care, protection and presence.
Finally, we reflect on the words “I shall not want” as an expression of trust before allowing the phrase itself to become quiet and returning to simple awareness of the breath.
This meditation offers a gentle practice of Lectio Divina, Christian meditation and contemplative prayer centred on trust, divine presence and the familiar words of Psalm 23.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: Lectio Divina and Psalm 23
01:28 – Opening bell
01:43 – Entering stillness
02:52 – Anchoring in the breath
04:11 – The Lord is my shepherd
04:39 – Resting with the words “The Lord”
05:42 – The image of the shepherd
06:28 – Shepherded by grace
07:23 – I shall not want
08:26 – Divine love as protector and provider
09:15 – Noticing our reactions to the phrase
09:47 – Returning to the sacred words
10:22 – Allowing the phrase to become silent
11:04 – Carrying the words into the day
11:43 – The Lord is my shepherd
12:13 – Closing bell