Psalm 23 — The Lord is my shepherd
Dominus regit me (Ps 22/23)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. In green pastures He gives me rest; beside still waters He leads me; He restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You spread a table before me in the sight of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for length of days.
When this prayer is prayed
At funerals, at bedsides, in hospital corridors, and by anyone walking through a valley. Written by a man who had actually been a shepherd and knew that the rod is for the wolves, not for the sheep.