The Lord is my Pace Setter – Psalm 23 for Busy People

Psalm 23 for Busy People

Toki Miyashina

The Lord is my Pace Setter, I shall not rush,
He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals,
He provides me with images of stillness,
Which restore my serenity.
He leads me in ways of efficiency,
through calmness of mind; and his guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day,
I will not fret, for his presence is here.
His timelessness, his all-importance will keep me in balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity,
by anointing my head with his oils of tranquility,
My cup of joyous energy overflows.
Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruit of my hours,
For I shall walk in the pace of my Lord,
and dwell in his house for ever.

7 Replies to “The Lord is my Pace Setter – Psalm 23 for Busy People”

  1. Thank you, for helping me out of a tough spot! I am very grateful.
    That is a beautiful rendition of that Psalm and I couldn’t find it anywhere. Thank you>

  2. Duncan,

    Thank you for the adaptation of the Psalm 23 and in particular to the author, Toki Miyashina of Japan. I’ve known of this version for several years and lost in time the name of this person. Nice to know.

    Thank you also for your blog that I stumbled across and plan to visit more. You may find of interest a wonderful organization that is committed to those in ministry and who have been remarkably not so known for the transformation of Ireland. Please check it out throughly first. I am was personally impacted by a great monk Fr. Basil Pennington, who was well known for his contribution to contemplative (centering) prayer.

    http://www.masteryfoundation.org/

    and near related and valuable: http://www.landmarkeducation.com

    Best wishes for a wonderful 2011

    Jim Martinez
    POB 69335
    West Hollywood, CA 90069
    323-807-4448
    greattheophany@aol.com

    Parish: St Victor’s Catholic Church, West Hollywood, CA
    MC/Cantor

  3. Well, Duncan, a “blast from the past”!
    I have this psalm in an old book of mine, but I haven’t been able to find it. I want to use it Sunday re the gospel reading. I then thought of googling it, asnd found your name attached!
    I trust all’s well with you across “the ditch”.
    Regards

    1. I have also tried to locate the author. Toki – is known as an artist ( wood blokes, etc.) but no mention of him having done any writing.

  4. Duncan,

    I have been trying to find any information about Toki Miyashina but have had no luck. Are you able to tell me when he wrote/adapted Psalm 23? We have a very old hand written version of the adapted Psalm signed by the writer and have often wondered how it came about.

    Your help in solving our puzzle would be most appreciated.

    Regards
    Marilyn Botwood
    Lakeside Church

  5. When I think , that’s all I can take , I take a break, and know that is from Him my Pace Maker and Pace Setter.. thank you for sharing this adaptation. Truly. my Shepherd knows my every need.. I shall not want, I shall not fear , for it is He who teaches me how to live.

  6. This version of the psalm was included in a collection of translations of Psalm 23, edited by K. H Strange in 1969, attributed then to Toki Miyashina.

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