Sing a New Psalm
Read Psalm 23 below (or another Psalm of your choice)
Using it as a sort of “template,” compose a new Psalm using a metaphor that resonates with your life and experience, your hopes and dreams, or your heartache and tragedy. Be as creative and/or playful as you want, and as honest and/or serious as you can!
If you are the kind of person that likes examples, here is one that comes from the Youth Specialties archives:
"The Lord is My Ski Boat”
The Lord is my ski boat,
That is just what I have always wanted.
He makes me ski on blue water;
He leads me along quiet seas.
He gives me back my zeal for life,
He guides me behind the wake
For my well-being’s sake.
Even though I come to choppy waters,
I show no fear, for someone is watching.
Your life jacket and boots, they comfort me.
You let me jump the wake before my critics and I do not fall.
My skills are mounting.
Certainly exciting and successful times will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the Skiers Hall of Fame forever.
Psalm 23 (CEB)
1 The Lord is my shepherd.
I lack nothing.
2 He lets me rest in grassy meadows;
he leads me to restful waters;
3 he keeps me alive.
He guides me in proper paths
for the sake of his good name.4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger because you are with me.
Your rod and your staff—
they protect me.5 You set a table for me
right in front of my enemies.
You bathe my head in oil;
my cup is so full it spills over!
6 Yes, goodness and faithful love
will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the Lord’s house
as long as I live.
Some other Psalms that could provide a good starting template/metaphor:
Psalm 3 (Shield)
Psalm 15 (who can abide in God’s tent?)
Psalm 18 (rock, fortress, deliverer)
Psalm 27 (light and slavation)
Psalm 46 (refuge and strength)
Psalm 84 (lovely dwelling place)
Psalm 87 (city of Zion)
Psalm 121 (help comes from the Lord)
Psalm 133 (when kindred live together in unity)
Psalm 149 (sing a new song)