From our discussion guide:
The pandemic has been like a magnifying glass for the loneliness that was already so pervasive in our culture. According to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, we are suffering a pandemic of loneliness. When humans are isolated, every other kind of suffering is compounded, for we are cut off from the compassion and help that others can offer and from the God of all comfort who knows suffering from the inside out. Psalm 23 is a vivid picture of how God comes to be with us as The Good Shepherd who goes out to seek the one who is alone and lost.
01 | As you read Psalm 23, notice phrases that describe the comfort that the shepherd brings. Pick one, and describe how it connects with your own experience with God. Or, perhaps, an experience of God’s presence and comfort you long for.
02 | Like any friendship, nurturing our relationship with God requires communication. Describe your relationship to prayer (there are no right or wrong answers). Feel free to use the phrases from Day 26, or add your own.
It comes easily. It is difficult. I always know what to say. I never know what to say. I don’t think prayer works
I think God listens. Prayer makes me feel better. I pray whatever comes to mind. I prefer scripted prayers.
I pray when I don’t know what else to do. I pray to be changed by God. I enjoy praying for myself. I enjoy praying for others.
I pray whatever comes to mind. It makes me feel better. I have noticed that I pray more when I feel a lack of control over a situation or when I feel like I need guidance.
I don’t feel like I’m the best at it but I feel like if I keep it open as if it were a conversation between 2 people maybe I can hear the answers I’m looking for.