Praying with Poetry

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul." --Psalm 23:1-3

Author

Andrea Manor
April 02, 2025

This month, I'm speaking to a group of women about combining poetry and prayer. Today, I’ll share with you Toki Miyashina's rewording of Psalm 23. It beautifully captures our desire for peace amidst our busy lives, reminding us of God's unhurried guidance. Often, familiar scriptures lose their impact. This poem refreshes Psalm 23. I invite you to use it in your prayer time, reflecting on your thoughts and feelings with Jesus.

 

Psalm 23 for Busy People

The Lord is my pace-setter, I shall not rush;
He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals;
He provides me with images of stillness
Which restore my serenity.
He leads me in the way of efficiency,
Through calmness of mind: and his guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day
I will not fret, for his presence is here.
His timelessness, his all-importance will keep me in balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal
In the midst of activity.
By anointing my mind with the oils of tranquility,
My cup of joyous energy overflows.
Surely harmony and effectiveness
Shall be the fruits of my hours,
For I will walk in the pace of the Lord.

Toki Miyashina

What would it be like to allow the Lord to be your pace-setter?

Do you long to stop and rest for quiet intervals?

What would an image of stillness look like for you?

What does it mean to you to know that His presence is with you even when you experience the pressure of the great many things you feel you must accomplish each day?

Can you imagine Jesus anointing you with the oils of tranquility?

What would it be like to walk at the pace of the Lord?

Resources

If you would like to incorporate poetry into your times of prayer, I enjoy the work of John O’Donohue in To Bless the Space Between Us

To Bless the Space Between Us by John O’Donohue

Upcoming Events

If you’re in need of a speaker for your small group, Bible study or church, reach out to see if I might be available.

It’s that time of year where Dovehouse directors plan what groups will be offered beginning in the Fall. Would you email me at [email protected] if you are considering a group for 2025-2026? Which of the following groups interest you?

  • Regular spiritual direction group

  • Visio Divina (praying with scripture and art)

  • Praying with Poetry

  • Name of Grace (only for those who have been through the Spiritual Exercises)

  • Ignatian Rules for Discernment

Feel free to email me if you would like to schedule a phone call to talk more about these options.

My April Quiet Day is full, but there are a few more spots available for May’s Nature Quiet Day.