Sunday, June 7th, 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 23rd Psalm teaches about the ministry of presence, and we ask:
Today we consider the 23rd Psalm teaches about the ministry of presence, and we ask:
- When you have been weary, uncertain, or “walking through the valley,” what was most comforting or helpful during those seasons?
- When you know someone who is weary, uncertain, or “walking through the valley,” in what ways do you come alongside them? Do you rush or feel the need to fill hard silences with theological explanations, advice, or behavioral corrections?
- What does the phrase “ministry of presence” mean to you?
Stillness
In this moment, we invite you into silent prayer, meditation, and further contemplation of the considerations.
Hymn
God is My Shepherd, Hymn 479
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 King James Version (published in 1611, by sponsorship of King James VI and I):
One: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
All: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
One: He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
All: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
One: Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
All: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Call and Response
One:
All:
One:
All:
All:
One:
All:
Meditation
Rev. Dr. Lori Walke
Meditation Response
Type your new text here.
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.