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Praying the 23rd Psalm
Prayers will flow from your heart as you immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful and popular passages from God's Word. By examining Psalm 23 line by line, Elmer Towns describes the intimate heart of God for His children and provides insights that will bring comfort and peace to every believer. A simple message of hope and encouragement. PRAYING THE 23RD PSALM reveals the hidden treasures to be found in the presence of the Shepherd. He yearns to sit with you beside still waters. Will you stop and rest awhile? Perfect for devotional reading, each chapter includes prayers that will help you move into a deeper relationship with your Shepherd.
153 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
8 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Elmer L. Towns
337 books48 followersDr. Elmer Towns is a college and seminary professor, an author of popular and scholarly works (the editor of two encyclopedias), a popular seminar lecturer, and dedicated worker in Sunday school, and has developed over 20 resource packets for leadership education. He began teaching at Midwest Bible College, St. Louis, Missouri, for three years and was not satisfied with his textbooks so he began writing his own (he has published over 100 books listed in the Library of Congress, 7 listed in the Christian Booksellers Best Selling List; several becoming accepted as college textbooks. He is also the 1995 recipient of the coveted Gold Medallion Award awarded by the Christian Booksellers Association for writing the Book of the Year, i.e., The Names of the Holy Spirit.
He was President of Winnipeg Bible College for five years, leading it to receive American Accreditation and Provincial authority to offer degrees (1960-1965). He taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, in greater Chicago, Illinois, in the field of Religious Education and Evangelism (1965-1971).
He is co-founder of Liberty University, with Jerry Falwell, in 1971, and was the only full-time teacher in the first year of Liberty's existence. Today, the University has over 11,400 students on campus with 39,000 in the Distance Learning Program (now Liberty University Online), and he is the Dean of the School of Religion.
Dr. Towns has given theological lectures and taught intensive seminars at over 50 theological seminaries in America and abroad. He holds visiting professorship rank in five seminaries. He has written over 2,000 reference and/or popular articles and received six honorary doctoral degrees. Four doctoral dissertations have analyzed his contribution to religious education and evangelism.
His personal education includes a B.S. from Northwestern College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a M.A. from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary also in Dallas, a MRE from Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, and a D.Min. from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.
He was President of Winnipeg Bible College for five years, leading it to receive American Accreditation and Provincial authority to offer degrees (1960-1965). He taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, in greater Chicago, Illinois, in the field of Religious Education and Evangelism (1965-1971).
He is co-founder of Liberty University, with Jerry Falwell, in 1971, and was the only full-time teacher in the first year of Liberty's existence. Today, the University has over 11,400 students on campus with 39,000 in the Distance Learning Program (now Liberty University Online), and he is the Dean of the School of Religion.
Dr. Towns has given theological lectures and taught intensive seminars at over 50 theological seminaries in America and abroad. He holds visiting professorship rank in five seminaries. He has written over 2,000 reference and/or popular articles and received six honorary doctoral degrees. Four doctoral dissertations have analyzed his contribution to religious education and evangelism.
His personal education includes a B.S. from Northwestern College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a M.A. from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary also in Dallas, a MRE from Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, and a D.Min. from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 10, 2021
Review/report on the Second reading of this small book that is so full of encouragement in the Lord that I had to revisit it and even decide to keep it close by on the table next to my chair and on my nightstand for ready access…
David Roper writes in richness of scripture references and quotes from many who attest to the love of God…
Original Review:
This book, or might I say booklet, is rich in biblical encouragement for living. With 175 pages it is less than a full book and more than a mere booklet. I am one to highlight and mark up throughout books that I read. For this one I found so much to note that the yellow was almost as much as what was left unmarked; almost defeating the purpose. Nevertheless there was so much to recall that it had to be done. There have been so many books, studies and bible commentaries on the most popular Psalm that one might think that there is little more to be said. However, this is a must read for any struggling Christian and good for anyone to just read for encouragement. I have discovered that David Roper, an “Our Daily Bread Devotional” writer is an outstanding author and want to read some of his other books. I’m so glad that I found this little book! Here is just one quote that may be taken as a summary statement:
“And so, though it is hard to accept, we need nothing more than God’s presence. Our toys and lesser joys can never satisfy; they are small delights. God alone is the answer to our deepest longings.”
David Roper writes in richness of scripture references and quotes from many who attest to the love of God…
Original Review:
This book, or might I say booklet, is rich in biblical encouragement for living. With 175 pages it is less than a full book and more than a mere booklet. I am one to highlight and mark up throughout books that I read. For this one I found so much to note that the yellow was almost as much as what was left unmarked; almost defeating the purpose. Nevertheless there was so much to recall that it had to be done. There have been so many books, studies and bible commentaries on the most popular Psalm that one might think that there is little more to be said. However, this is a must read for any struggling Christian and good for anyone to just read for encouragement. I have discovered that David Roper, an “Our Daily Bread Devotional” writer is an outstanding author and want to read some of his other books. I’m so glad that I found this little book! Here is just one quote that may be taken as a summary statement:
“And so, though it is hard to accept, we need nothing more than God’s presence. Our toys and lesser joys can never satisfy; they are small delights. God alone is the answer to our deepest longings.”
July 1, 2013
I would give this book 10 stars if possible! It has helped me through the dark times in my life and taught me a lot about human nature in general. As an English teacher, I especially love the literary references.
February 26, 2025
This short work is written for the modern Christian with a sympathetic ear for all our shortcomings, and I applaud the author for his effort. However, that effort is often undercut by rank emotionalism, poor theology, and writing that, with the many quotations, feels more like an anthology than a work by one person. Without looking at the author's biography, I honestly cannot tell whether he adheres to Arminian or Reformed creeds, as he weaves in ideas from both, and I still can't figure out where he got the idea that young David was "abused." If you all you're looking for is some basic comfort, this isn't a bad little book, but weigh the words with care.
October 4, 2025
While there are some passages by the author that really resonated and were helpful, there were a handful of others that made me stop short and wonder if this was really the whole truth or just something modern readers would appreciate. Some of the translations of scripture bothered me; I'm not a fan of the NIV. But, the many quotes and especially poems by former Christian writers were very strong and hit home many times.
July 20, 2018
Sent from a friend after my baptism, this is thoughtful, comforting insightful and gentile focus of the particular psalm that further lights up the path of a particular lighter way of life. It's full of theology, personal experience and poetry that make for a positive combination.
February 5, 2019
Inspirational devotional on each part and section of Psalm 23. Recommended and well-written, the Good Shepard!
October 23, 2023
Such a motivating read to grow a deeper relationship with the lord! Full of wisdom but some things seemed a little rigid in my opinion
March 25, 2024
A study of Psalm 23 and so much more! The comforting message that we are always and only human. We can never live up to God's standards, but He loves us and saves us continually.
April 27, 2024
In addition to Roper's comments on the Psalm, he includes poems and statements from other Christians which reflect on the point he is making as he analyses this favorite Psalm.
November 23, 2024
Don’t let this little book fool you. It is so packed with nuggets, I could only read a few pages at a time for fear of missing them.
May 20, 2014
Blah. This is the first book I have abandoned in quite awhile. I'm bummed because I thought it would be interesting to look at Psalm 23 from two different people and compare and contrast their different perspectives. I made it halfway through this book before I decided I was too bored to continue and the comparisons between this one and Keller's A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 are few while the differences are many.
Roper's look at Psalm 23 is nothing new, it is like reading the same exact perspective on Psalm 23 that almost everyone else has ever had. Perhaps it is unfair to pit his book about Psalm 23 against Keller's but Keller approached it in such a relateable and practical way that the reader could really feast. This book, like the majority of other ones about the Psalm, is weak in relateablity and application. Additionally it seems like Roper leaned against every single poem and/or quote he could locate that related to the topic. It feels like his own words only make up about half of the book, the rest is quotes and scripture (which to be clear, the scripture is never a bad thing and a quote here and there is okay but he uses quotes more often than not).
Because Roper is not sharing anything new or even particularly insightful (because it's been said before many, many times) the book does not engage the reader, it lacks any sort of staying power.
If you are going to pick up a book about Psalm 23 pick up Keller's and leave this one for someone else.
Roper's look at Psalm 23 is nothing new, it is like reading the same exact perspective on Psalm 23 that almost everyone else has ever had. Perhaps it is unfair to pit his book about Psalm 23 against Keller's but Keller approached it in such a relateable and practical way that the reader could really feast. This book, like the majority of other ones about the Psalm, is weak in relateablity and application. Additionally it seems like Roper leaned against every single poem and/or quote he could locate that related to the topic. It feels like his own words only make up about half of the book, the rest is quotes and scripture (which to be clear, the scripture is never a bad thing and a quote here and there is okay but he uses quotes more often than not).
Because Roper is not sharing anything new or even particularly insightful (because it's been said before many, many times) the book does not engage the reader, it lacks any sort of staying power.
If you are going to pick up a book about Psalm 23 pick up Keller's and leave this one for someone else.
August 20, 2016
The first page of this books starts with "I" and describes a "dark age" in the author's life. My edition of this book has no bio for the author. As a result, I was left wondering who this person was. However, the next chapter ("Wanting") was so on target that I quickly forgave the writer. It does an excellent job of describing all the parts of life that disappoint us, the resulting loneliness and what we're seeking.
I found the dissection of this Psalm to be particularly helpful, especially the information about the responsibilities of a shepherd and the appropriateness of this metaphor. Like other reviewers, I found the constant quoting of other authors and scripture to be a bit irritating, although they were well selected and relevant excerpts that added to my understanding.
All in all, I enjoyed this short elaboration and made note of other books by the author. The author's interpretation of this scripture was insightful and helpful to me.
I found the dissection of this Psalm to be particularly helpful, especially the information about the responsibilities of a shepherd and the appropriateness of this metaphor. Like other reviewers, I found the constant quoting of other authors and scripture to be a bit irritating, although they were well selected and relevant excerpts that added to my understanding.
All in all, I enjoyed this short elaboration and made note of other books by the author. The author's interpretation of this scripture was insightful and helpful to me.
January 6, 2014
Because Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and best loved portions of the Bible and because I've read and heard many meditations/commentaries on it, I hoped for a fresh approach and new insights. Roper did not disappoint me.
What do 21st century urban dwellers know about sheep and shepherds? How can I connect? Using the portrait of the vigilant shepherd, Roper draws in the heart of the reader, helping each one understand how the shepherd relates to the "contented follower in an age of dissatisfaction, the trusting follower in an age of doubt and deceit, the restful follower in an age of activism, and the restored follower in an age of denial." How much I need the watchful, loving eye of the Great Shepherd on a daily basis!
I've already re-read this book and have given multiple copies away.
What do 21st century urban dwellers know about sheep and shepherds? How can I connect? Using the portrait of the vigilant shepherd, Roper draws in the heart of the reader, helping each one understand how the shepherd relates to the "contented follower in an age of dissatisfaction, the trusting follower in an age of doubt and deceit, the restful follower in an age of activism, and the restored follower in an age of denial." How much I need the watchful, loving eye of the Great Shepherd on a daily basis!
I've already re-read this book and have given multiple copies away.
April 26, 2014
This book will bring rest to your soul. I so enjoyed the author's way of bringing this Psalm alive and God's peace and wisdom into every corner of my crowded heart, mind, and life. Well done David Roper!
December 15, 2016
What a wonderful book depicting God's love and care for us. It spoke to my heart over and over, and I have already begun to read it again. Written by someone in a dark time in their life - who chose to focus on this lovely Psalm, a picture of the sheep and the shepherd.
July 11, 2008
Found this at the goodwill store for $0.50.
Read it in one day.
Very good book. I loved the story of the Shepherd with his sheep.
Read it in one day.
Very good book. I loved the story of the Shepherd with his sheep.
September 20, 2008
This helped me through some trying times in life when I felt that I was down in the valley and no way out.
February 4, 2014
You can tell he's well read -- a lot of quotes from a lot of sources. Some interesting insights into the Psalm; good food for thought.
April 5, 2021
An excellent devotional study of the 23rd Psalm. Brief and easy to read, but with many profound insights.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews