Daily Devotions

Psalm 23:1–3 (The Inclusive Bible)
“Lord, 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.”

In this beloved Psalm, we are drawn into a vision of peace and provision. The imagery is deeply reassuring: green meadows, still waters, a soul refreshed. It is a picture not only of physical rest, but of deep spiritual calm—a life centred on God's presence, not on our striving.

Mark Buchanan, in The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath, shares a poignant moment from his own journey:

“I was in no hurry. I prayed. I sang. I listened. I watched. In all that time, I never earned a cent. I didn't write a word. I didn't build a thing. The world is no richer for my passing through it. But I'm far richer for not missing it.”

These words reflect something our culture often forgets: that rest is not wasted time, and presence is not idleness. To live mindfully in God’s presence is to be fully alive to His goodness in the here and now.

We often hear the term mindfulness in today’s world—the practice of being fully present in the moment, aware of our thoughts, sensations, and emotions without judgment. In a Christian context, this becomes something even deeper: godly mindfulness.

Godly mindfulness is a sacred attentiveness—a prayerful awareness of God’s presence in each moment. It invites us to slow down, to notice, to listen. It means recognising the fingerprints of God not only in moments of awe but also in the ordinary: in the silence, in the breath, in the kindness of a friend, in the quiet beauty of a day unfolding.

This spiritual attentiveness is not an escape from life but a way of entering it more fully—with hearts tuned to God's voice, and lives shaped by gratitude, compassion, and humility.

When the psalmist speaks of lying down in green pastures and being led beside still waters, he’s describing more than rest—he’s describing a posture of trustful presence. It's a soul that knows it is being shepherded. It's the deep peace of knowing that we are not alone.

What better place to practice godly mindfulness than beside those still waters of grace, lying down in the green meadows of God’s care? Here, in His presence, we are restored—not because we’ve accomplished anything, but simply because we’ve paused long enough to notice that He is with 

Shepherd of our lives, Guide us to the still waters. Lead us on the right paths. Walk beside us when we go through our darkest valleys. Help us to know Your Comforting Presence is always with us. We know that in You there is nothing to be afraid of, so help us to stand for love, peace and justice. We know that You prepare the table before us, that You care for us, that We are Your sheep forever. Help us in this world to do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with You; and wherever we may go, may we follow Your path. In the name of Christ, the Good Shepherd, we pray. Amen.