Psalm 23 and 24 teach us both practical ideas for praying and praising God. He is our Shepherd and He is our provider and protector. Here’s an idea you might use as you meditate on these psalms: ACTS (A = Adoration, C = Confession, T = Thanksgiving, S = Supplication) You can build your own prayer using this as a springboard:

A….Lord you are my shepherd and You alone are sovereign, and know each created being that has life and breath.

C…Lord, look within my heart. Cleanse me where I am found not to be blameless, where my motives are impure. Reveal to me if I have any untruthfulness or have made any promises with no intention of keeping them. Cleanse me that I may be pure and holy before you as I enter my time of worship.

T…Lord, I know and am thankful that you promise godly people are rewarded by the Lord, and vindicated by the God who delivers them.

S….Lord, how wonderful to know these promises and pray that all who choose you will know them as well. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

You might close with a summarized and personalized Aaronic blessing: Lord may you bless and keep me as you make your face to shine upon me. Be gracious to me and bless me with your peace.

What prayer will you offer today using A-C-T-S?