The Lord is My Shepherd

An acrostic prayer poem.

The Lord loves me and is gracious unto me.
He lifts my spirit day and night and will not forsake me.
Even when I foolishly part company with Him, He patiently waits for me to return home.

Lord, You are everything to me.
Out of the depths of my being I exalt and praise Your holy name.
Remembering all the blessings You bestowed upon me all these years;
Delighting in the knowledge of Your unfailing love.

I am an alien resident on this planet.
Satan chases me relentlessly and without pity.

My soul is not touched by his nefarious schemes.
Your shield of protection surrounds me.

Savior, more than life to me,
Help me to run this race with patient perseverance.
Empower me against the strong winds of adversity;
Preserve my soul,
Hold me up when I am falling,
Encourage me in my state of weakened faith.
Revive my spirit merciful Father with Your quickening power;
Deliver me from the snares of the Evil one.

I am weak but You O God, are strong.

Strengthen me that I might fight the good fight of faith.
Have mercy on me for surely I am unworthy.
Almighty God, everlasting Father, draw me closer to You.
Let the light from Your lighthouse shine on me;
Leave me not to myself, lest I perish.

Nothing in this life will separate me from Your love.
On bended knees I pray in humble adoration,
To You be all glory, laud and honor.

Who can rescue me from my load of distress
And offer me peace beyond human understanding?
No other but You, my Father, my Lord and my God.
Thank you great Jehovah.

Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. http://www.clergyservices4u.org. She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances: Homilies that Teach. Her new book, Out of Deep Waters: My Grief Management Workbook, will be available soon.