A Shepherd Who Stays Near

Family guide · The Lord Is Our Shepherd · Psalm 23; John 10:11-15 · about 15 minutes

Big idea: God guides, provides for, and remains with His people.

This study introduces Psalm 23 as poetry that uses shepherd and host images to express trust.

The 15-minute flow

2 minConnect. Use the opening prompt to connect the lesson to ordinary family life.
5 minRead. Read Psalm 23 slowly. Let a child draw or point to each image as it appears.
3 minUnderstand. Ask what each picture communicates and notice that the valley is included rather than denied.
3 minPlay. Make a five-stop path using objects for Rest, Path, Valley, Table, and Home.
2 minRespond. Choose the weekly action, then pray together.

Talk about it

Which line shows God's presence in a hard place?
Which image could become our prayer this week?

This week

Action: Choose one calm companionship action for someone who is worried or lonely.

Prayer: Lord our Shepherd, guide us, provide what is good, and stay near in hard places.

Note for parents: Do not force a child to disclose grief or fear. The psalm supports honest emotion and adult help; it is not a command to hide distress.