I received an e-mail this morning from an old and dear friend, a minister in Texas. He asks for prayers for his son David, a U.S. Marine in Fallujah, Iraq. His unit is under constant fire. One of his comrades took a bullet to the chest, and was saved only by new body armor. David says it’s heavy, but he never takes his off.

David, this is for you …

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 the LORD for ever.