What if God’s comfort isn’t meant to keep us still? Eastman Johnson’s The Lord Is My Shepherd offers a beautiful tension between rest and action. The painting invites us to consider how God’s comfort can heal us, strengthen us, and prepare us to move forward.

Psalm 23

Use this guide for prayer and contemplation. Read slowly, pausing as needed for silence and reflection.

Opening

Settle yourself. Relax your body.

Draw in a deep breath and savor it. Release it slowly back to the world.

Open your spirit to the presence of God.

Reflection on Contemplative Prayer

We read the Bible for inspiration, devotion, strength, and hope. We also read to discover the actions of God in the past and the will of God for the future.

As you gaze upon this painting, let the scene become a place of prayer. Imagine the open Bible before the man, perhaps turned near the beginning, to Exodus, where God strengthens Moses to lead the people out of bondage in Egypt.

The painting holds a spiritual tension. Psalm 23 offers comfort and protection, yet the same Shepherd gives courage to face enemies and pursue true freedom. Prayer begins in comfort, and God grants us grace to move.

Stay here a moment.

Scripture

Psalm 23 (Inclusive Bible)

Yahweh, you are my shepherd. I want nothing more. You let me lie down in green meadows. You lead me beside restful waters. You refresh my soul. You guide me to lush pastures for the sake of your name.

Even if I’m surrounded by shadows of death, I fear no danger. For you are with me. Your rod and your staff—they give me courage. You spread a table for me in the presence of my enemies, and you anoint my head with oil—my cup overflows.

Only goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in your house, Yahweh, for days without end.

Welcome the Spirit’s presence as these words meet the image before you and the life within you. Receive both the Shepherd’s comfort and the courage to move forward.

Artwork for Prayerful Reflection

The Lord Is My Shepherd, Eastman Johnson, 1863

Painted soon after the Emancipation Proclamation, this image presents Scripture as comfort, power, learning, and liberation. Let the open Bible become a gateway to prayer, kindling the courage needed to pursue true freedom.

Reflection Questions

What do you notice in the painting that gives you a sense of comfort and peace?

Where do you see that comfort and peace in the man before you?

What words of comfort is God offering you today?

How does Psalm 23 move you from rest toward the grace to move forward?

What do you notice in the painting that conveys God’s strength for the next step?

Where do you see courage taking shape in the man?

What word of strength or call to action is God placing before you today?

What healing do you need to receive before you act?

What faithful step can grow from the comfort God is giving you?

Spend another moment in God’s presence, drawing upon the comfort, peace, strength, and preparation God is giving you.

Closing

Shepherding God, comfort and heal us when we come through the storms of life. Prepare us to face what lies ahead, and give us courage to act, trusting that you walk with us. Amen.