[psalms]

Whatever we learn from a psalm, whatever questions raised or answers given--we must never forget that it is first a prayer. It contains intimate words spoken to God. When we pray these prayers, we join the faithful across time and history.

These prayers do not ask us to put on blinders, ignoring the darkest valley and the wilderness we encounter. Rather these prayers invite us to joyfully affirm that, though darkness comes, we will not be afraid because the Good Shepherd stays close beside us.

Prayer is the honest acknowledgement of life as it is and a faithful recentering to life as God makes (and will make) it to be :)

Prayer helps us sheep follow our Shepherd :)