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Psalm 23
How does this psalm piece interpret the psalm?
In Spanish, the word used for “shepherd” in Psalm 23 is “pastor”—the same word used for the pastor of a church. As the chorus is sung repeatedly in Spanish, we declare the reality that God is the pastor who cares for and guides our souls. In times when we are confronted with our own mortality, the phrase “when death is near, be nearer still” gives us simple words to pray. And in our increasingly multicultural world, a song that must be sung in two different languages helps us embrace the unity and diversity of God’s flock.
This song could be sung during a time of reflection. The chorus in Spanish is very singable and easy for non-Spanish-speakers to learn.
Text and Music: Psalm 23; Josh Davis, © 2019 Josh Davis
Used by permission.
Contact: Josh Davis, jd@proskuneo.org
Psalm Talk by Amanda Benckhuysen, recorded at the 2026 Psalms 150 conference, with a visual prayer and embodied response from Dea Jenkins.
A Psalm Talk by Terry M. Wildman and Darlene Wildman on the creation of the First Nations Version of the Bible, with a visual prayer and embodied response led by Dea Jenkins.
An interview with award-winning artist and celebrated painter Joel Schoon-Tanis on the process and creation of his painting "Psalm 1: Growing Trees" at Psalms 150: A Conference Experience.
Psalm Talk by Amanda Benckhuysen, recorded at the 2026 Psalms 150 conference, with a visual prayer and embodied response from Dea Jenkins.
A Psalm Talk by Terry M. Wildman and Darlene Wildman on the creation of the First Nations Version of the Bible, with a visual prayer and embodied response led by Dea Jenkins.
An interview with award-winning artist and celebrated painter Joel Schoon-Tanis on the process and creation of his painting "Psalm 1: Growing Trees" at Psalms 150: A Conference Experience.
This chapel worship service was led by Wendell Kimbrough at Calvin University as part of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship’s “Dwelling in the Psalms” year.
