The Writing Team split the six verses of Psalm 23 into seven memorable sections for children.
You are welcome to break it where you like.
We split verse 3 into its two logical subjects, appending the first part of 3 ("3a") to the end of verse 2 where it completes verse 2's train of thought, and treating the second part of verse 3 ("3b") as it's own memory verse. Furthermore, as an aid to memorization with children, we broke the LONG ending of the psalm (verse 6) into two logical and memorable parts (6a and 6b). These revised verse groupings were used in the various lessons within this lesson set. (The verse numbering system of the Bible is not considered sacred and there are numerous examples where the chapter and verse system creates some unfortunate breaks.)
Psalm 23 divided into Seven Memory "Verses" | ||
Verse Number | Text (NRSV) | |
v1 | The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. | |
v2
v3a | He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. | |
v3b | He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. | |
v4 | Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me. | |
v5 | You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. | |
v6a | Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, | |
v6b | and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. | |
