Here are some practices to follow the message from Manhattan yesterday. You may want to use them in your devotional time or with your small group.

You can also download a transcript of the sermon by clicking here. Forgive the typos and grammar-sins. Our notes hardly ever make it through a proofreader.

Enjoy.

PASSAGE

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

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.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of theLord for ever.

- Psalm 23

PRACTICE

DAY ONE: SHEPHERD

Read the passage aloud today and spend a few minutes in prayer. As an act of trust, continue in prayer, but don't ask God for anything. Let all of your words be words of thanks for the things that you already have.

DAY TWO:  RESTORATION

Begin by reading the passage aloud again.

Invite God to show you how to bring stillness and restoration to the soul of another. Write down the names of a few people in your circle who you can pray for today. Spend time praying for each of them by name.

DAY THREE: SHADOW 

Begin by reading the passage aloud again.

Spend some time looking at world news today. Make a list of cultures that are struggling from oppression and war. Pray for the leaders and people of those cultures. Ask God to comfort the oppressed and to soften the hearts of leaders to lead with mercy and justice.

DAY FOUR: ENEMIES

Begin by reading the passage aloud again.

Invite an "enemy" to lunch. This can be a person at work or home who holds a grudge against you or who you know gossips about you. Pay for their lunch and foster good conversation with no strings attached. 

DAY FIVE: GOODNESS & MERCY

Begin by reading the passage aloud again.

Show mercy and goodness to someone who is only getting criticism and judgment this week. Compliment them on something in their life that they are doing well. Do it with a card, gift, or heartfelt bit of conversation.