I Shall Not Want

Apr 26

A Sunday upcoming has themes of the Good Shepherd. The Season of Easter always has one such emphasis in the scriptures. John’s Gospel, chapter ten, reveals poignant truths of Christ as the Good Shepherd. The psalm of the day is sometimes the Twenty-Third, and the hymns of the Eucharist on this day often include a metrical paraphrase of that best-known psalm. It is rewarding for any Christian to take a fresh look at these very personal lines of Hebrew poetry. We do well to let it soak in to make it our own prayer as well.

An exercise you could try is to rewrite the Twenty-Third Psalm in your own words. It does not have to be timeless prose or poetry, just so it is your expression. This will illuminate themes of reliance on God, trust in the divine provision, mercy, and protection at deep levels in your spirit. I took a look at it today; this was the result.

Comfort

I have nothing but The Shepherd
   So, I have all I need.
I’m supplied a verdant place to lie
   a place to drink and feed.
This Shepherd’s hand restores my soul,
   and shows which way to go,
reveals the essence, that Great Heart:
   my Protector’s graces show.

The eerie valley takes me in;
fear might have swallowed me.
But staff-in-hand, You stay near;
You lead and follow me.

Enemies’ grudges melt away;
   You set, O Host, the table
O’erspilling cup! My head, oil-drenched!
   I’d speak but am not able.
I’m certain, from now on
   blessings will surround and bind
good things to life, while ever bringing
mercy close behind.

—dwp+ 4/26/2023

Rev. David Price

Fr. Price joined St. Francis as Assistant Rector in September 2016. He says, “I am eager to be part of St. Francis’ efforts to work, pray, and give.” Fr. Price just completed a 10 year pastorate as Rector of Grace Church, Alvin and celebrated his 32nd anniversary of ordained ministry. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, a graduate of the University of Arizona, he completed his theological training at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin in 1984. He served on parish staffs in Midland, Lubbock, and Palestine, before becoming Rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church and School, Houston in 1994.

Fr. Price loves the variety of parish ministry: learning, worshiping, serving, and discovering things in small group fellowship. He recognizes the strength and health of St. Francis Church. He is convinced that in parish work, “God draws people in, builds them up and sends them out to be ambassadors of reconciliation in the world”. He has been married to Jennifer for 35 years. Jennifer, a cardiac nurse, works at CHI St. Luke's Health in the Medical Center. They are proud parents of three adult children: daughters, Emily Hatzel and Hannah Loyd, and son, Andrew Price. They are excited that they recently became grandparents. Fr. Price and Jennifer are both interested in improving their personal health through nutrition and physical activity. He has finished several marathons, half-marathons and triathlons in the last few years.

I Shall Not Want

Power to Heal

Martha (A Sonnet)