Archbishops call on nation to pray Psalm 23 in Covid-19 crisis

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have called on the nation to hold a day of prayer for the Covid-19 crisis, and have suggested that we all read Psalm 23. 

In a statement, the Archbishops called on people not to give in to fear, but to ‘be attentive to neighbours and to those who are vulnerable’. 

They added, ‘Finally, there is one more thing that everyone can do. Something we would expect from two Archbishops. We make no apology for saying “Pray!” Even if you scarcely can imagine how, pray! Pray for yourself, for those you love, for friends and neighbours. 

‘Three thousand years ago a young King, of shepherd background, called David, wrote a song. It was a hit at his time and has remained so ever since. That is quite a success, even the greatest of our stars of today would feel that three thousand years at the top was quite an achievement. It’s the Shepherd song, “The Lord’s my Shepherd”. 

‘We sing it in our common worship, at weddings and at funerals. It starts with hope but speaks of darkness as well as life. The singer begins with joy: God, the divine Shepherd-King, leads his people to nourishment and safety but in the song the scene quickly darkens. 

‘The path along which he goes becomes a valley of the shadow of death. But the shepherd’s ‘rod’ and ‘staff’, implements that prod and guide the sheep, provides the comfort that comes from divine guidance.

‘Find Psalm 23 and read it aloud. The Shepherd’s song is about real life, not an idealised picture. It speaks of suffering and facing enemies. 

‘Whether we are confident and brave, or doubt-filled and fearful, God is the source of love and hope.’

Read the Archbishops’ full statement here.

Find out more about what Psalm 23 means to us today.