The Scripture ~ Psalm 23 Japanese Version by Toki Miyashina

Spiritual Focus ~ “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” Anne Lamott

Breath Prayer ~ Inhale God is here, Exhale God is now

The Devotion ~ A lectionary is a collection or group of readings from sacred texts that are determined by scholars to tell the stories of faith to believers. In the Judeo Christian tradition, the lectionary is used with the hope that wherever you are in the world, you can walk into a house of worship and hear the same story being told as your neighbor hears in a different country or house of worship. A Psalm is often included in the group of readings, and this past Sunday the most famous Psalm, Psalm 23 was a suggested reading. Psalm 23 is not only a beautiful Psalm of promise, but is also one of the Psalms used in spiritual direction to develop a spiritual practice of embodying the scripture by rewriting a sacred text in one’s own words. Embodying scripture by rewriting it in our own words is one way that helps us unplug. This Japanese version of Psalm 23 is a popular example of how to embody a familiar scripture and make it our own.

The Lord is my Pace-setter, I shall not rush;

He [God] makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals.

He [God] provides me with images of stillness,

which restore my serenity.

He [God] leads me in ways of efficiency

through calmness of mind,

and His [God’s] guidance is peace.

Even though I have a great many things

to accomplish each day,

I will not fret, for God’s presence is here;

His [God’s] timelessness, His [God’s] all importance,

will keep me in balance.

He [God] prepares refreshment and renewal

in midst of my activity,

By anointing my mind with His [God’s] oils of tranquility.

My cup of joyous energy overflows,

surely harmony and effectiveness

shall be the fruits of my hours,

for I shall walk, in the pace of my Lord

and dwell in His [God’s] house forever.

Toki Miyashina