Sunday, June 14th, 2026
Our Morning Prayer service is an opportunity for contemplation, stillness, and spiritual grounding.
During Sundays in June, we will meditate on passages from the 23rd Psalm, each week considering a different aspect of this beloved scripture that invites us to use its metaphors and imagery to shape our lives
We offer you a warm welcome, and as is our practice, we remember that the land on which we meet is, was, and always will be native land. We acknowledge those indigenous tribes to Oklahoma: the Wichitas, Caddos, Plains Apaches, and the Quapaws, as the original custodians of the land in this place. We grieve the violence done to native language, culture, and personhood, and seek to honor the sovereignty and dignity of native peoples.
During Sundays in June, we will meditate on passages from the 23rd Psalm, each week considering a different aspect of this beloved scripture that invites us to use its metaphors and imagery to shape our lives
We offer you a warm welcome, and as is our practice, we remember that the land on which we meet is, was, and always will be native land. We acknowledge those indigenous tribes to Oklahoma: the Wichitas, Caddos, Plains Apaches, and the Quapaws, as the original custodians of the land in this place. We grieve the violence done to native language, culture, and personhood, and seek to honor the sovereignty and dignity of native peoples.
Gathering Music
Carolyn Sargent
Here We Open Our Hearts
Let us begin the day with this time of consideration, holy listening, supported silence, song, and prayer. We invite you to settle into your seat, let your shoulders drop, and take a deep breath. Remember: your whole self is welcome here.
Today we consider the phrase of the "valley of the shadow of death" in the 23rd Psalm, and we ask:
Today we consider the phrase of the "valley of the shadow of death" in the 23rd Psalm, and we ask:
- What imagery comes to mind when you hear or read the phrase “valley of the shadow of death”?
- When have there been times in your life that you considered yourself to be the “valley of the shadow of death”?
- What might be the meanings of “death” beyond the literal end of life in the context of this psalm?
Stillness
In this moment, we invite you into silent prayer, meditation, and further contemplation of the considerations.
Hymn
My Shepherd Is the Living God, Hymn 247
New Century Hymnal
New Century Hymnal
Pastoral Prayer
Rev. Dr. Lori Walke
Responsive Scripture Reading
Each Sunday in June, we will recite the 23rd Psalm as a responsive reading, using a different translation every week. The following comes from The Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation by Priests for Equality, 2007):
One: YHWH, you are my shepherd— I want nothing more. You let me lie down in green meadows; you lead me beside restful waters: you refresh my soul. You guide me to lush pastures for the sake of your Name.
All: Even if I’m surrounded by shadows of Death, I fear no danger, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff— they give me courage.
One: You spread a table for me in the presence of my enemies, and you anoint my head with oil— my cup overflows!
All: Only goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in your house, YHWH, for days without end.
Call and Response
Psalm 134:1
New Century Hymnal 769
George Whelpton, 1897
One: Hear our prayer, O God, hear our prayer, O God;
incline your ear to us, and grant us your peace.
All: Hear our prayer, O God, hear our prayer, O God;
incline your ear to us, and grant us your peace.
All: Hear our prayer, O God, hear our prayer, O God;
incline your ear to us, and grant us your peace.
New Century Hymnal 769
George Whelpton, 1897
One: Hear our prayer, O God, hear our prayer, O God;
incline your ear to us, and grant us your peace.
All: Hear our prayer, O God, hear our prayer, O God;
incline your ear to us, and grant us your peace.
All: Hear our prayer, O God, hear our prayer, O God;
incline your ear to us, and grant us your peace.
Meditation
Rev. Dr. Lori Walke
Meditation Response
Psalm 23 Breath Prayer:
(Inhale) Even if I’m surrounded by shadows of Death,
(Exhale) I fear no danger,
(Inhale) for you are with me.
(Exhale) Your rod and your staff— they give me courage.
(Inhale) Even if I’m surrounded by shadows of Death,
(Exhale) I fear no danger,
(Inhale) for you are with me.
(Exhale) Your rod and your staff— they give me courage.
Prayer + Benediction
As you go out into the remainder of the day, may you carry the still, small voice of the Divine within you. May your hearts be filled with peace, your hands moved by compassion, and your steps guided by love. Go in peace.