Welcome to Lectio for Families. We’re continuing our series based on the book of Psalms and the six practices which are at the heart of Lectio for Families and 24-7 Prayer. This week, we’re focusing on the practice of prayer.

Each day we will simply pray (P.R.A.Y.) together.
P: PAUSING to be still.
R: REJOICING with a Memory Verse and REFLECTING on some verses from the Bible.
A: ASKING God to help us and others.
Y: saying YES to God’s ways.

Pause

We start by pausing and taking a deep breath:

In and out.

In and out.

We remember that God is here, and so together we prepare ourselves to be with God.

Pause

Prayer of Welcome

Father God, as we draw near to You, please draw near to us too. Teach us to pray. Speak, Lord, we’re listening.

Rejoice

Memory Verse

We REJOICE and celebrate God’s goodness with this week’s memory verse:

God, help us to remember Your Word.

Reflect

Bible Reading

Today, we’re REFLECTING on one of the most well-known Psalms – we’ll probably recognise it immediately.

Read by Hubo
Psalm 23:1-4
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in green pastures.
He leads me to calm water.
He gives me new strength.
He leads me on paths that are right
for the good of his name.
Even if I walk through a very dark valley,
I will not be afraid,
because you are with me.
Your rod and your shepherd’s staff comfort me.
Psalm 23:1-4 (NCV)

In this famous Psalm it doesn’t tell us that God will fix everything in our lives, but it does promise that God will be with us, whatever happens.

Let’s press pause and talk about today’s question, which is: As we look back through the words of today’s Psalm, what do we feel like we need at the moment?
Do we need rest?
Do we need things to calm down?
Do we need strength?
Do we need God to lead us?
Do we need God to free us from fear?
Do we need comfort?

• PAUSE the audio player now

Ask

ASK Prayers

Now let’s take what we’ve just talked about and ASK God for what we need. As we pray each line together, let’s whisper ‘Amen’ to the ones that we really need.
Lord, God, give us rest
Lord God, lead us to calm waters.
Lord God, give us strength
Lord God, lead us
Lord God, free us from fear
Lord God, comfort us

• OPTIONAL: PAUSE the audio player now and pray

God of comfort, we pray particularly for those who feel like they are walking through a ‘dark valley’ at the moment. Maybe they feel alone or afraid, maybe they feel like they don’t know where they’re going. We ASK you to be with them and to comfort them, as it says in today’s Psalm.

• OPTIONAL: PAUSE the audio player now and pray

Yes

Bible Reading

As we read the Bible again, let’s listen for a word or a phrase that the Holy Spirit might want to say to us from today’s verses.

Psalm 23:1-4
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in green pastures.
He leads me to calm water.
He gives me new strength.
He leads me on paths that are right
for the good of his name.
Even if I walk through a very dark valley,
I will not be afraid,
because you are with me.
Your rod and your shepherd’s staff comfort me.
Psalm 23:1-4 (NCV)

What word or phrase stood out from today’s Bible verses?

• OPTIONAL: PAUSE the audio player now and tell each other

YES Prayer

And now, let’s say YES to God together.

Lord God, we say YES, You are the Good Shepherd, you have everything we need. Help us to trust You, and to walk closely with You every day.

Memory Verse

After enjoying this time with God and each other, let’s say our memory verse together:

Closing Prayer

Let’s put a hand on our heart.
Father God, fill us with Your love. Help us to love You, and everything that You’ve made.

Let’s point to our eyes.
Lord Jesus, help us to see You, and to see others the way that You see them too.

Let’s point to our ears.
Holy Spirit, help us to hear You, and give us courage to do what You say.