I’m teaching my five-year-old this version of Psalm 23 that I wrote/mashed up. It’s a mix of influences from the NIV and the MSG, and some simplifications of my own invention. I wanted to create a version that a very young child can connect with, but that retains some of the beauty and imagery of the original and can serve as a touchstone prayer for comfort and encouragement and a reminder of the loving presence of God. I also wanted it to be accessible to a kid who is not being raised in an agrarian society, and for whom metaphors are not yet obvious (1).
God, you’re my shepherd.
I am your sheep.(2)
You give me everything I need.
You let me rest in green meadows
And drink from peaceful waters.
You refresh my soul.
You guide me so that I can honor you.
Even if I’m in a dark, scary place,
I’m not afraid because you are with me.
You comfort and encourage me.
You prepare a party for me,
And ask me to invite my enemies. (3)
You put oil on my head. (4)
My blessings are overflowing.
My whole life is full of your beauty and love,
And my home is with you. (5)
Amen
For instance, just recently I had drawn a picture of a cucumber wearing a t-shirt that said “Eat me” and put it in her lunchbox. Her response: “Why did you give me a picture of a cucumber with no pants!?!...<a pause for consideration>...OOOooh, because you put cucumbers in my lunch and you wanted me to eat them!”
This line is not in the original Psalm. I added it, again because the metaphor is not obvious to a digital-age five-year-old.
Yep, I’m taking a liberty here. I’m mixing in the sermon on the mount (Matt 5:44). I used to think this line was about gloating. Now I think it’s about inviting.
My kid is familiar with this concept, because I anoint her head with essential oils regularly.
These two lines are much like Eugene Peterson’s in the MSG.