The Tape Recording Of Paul Reading Psalm 23 To A Child Who Requested A Peter, Paul And Mary Prayer

April 2, 2025

It was a warm summer evening in the late 1960s when Paul Stookey found himself in a small, sunlit room filled with the soft laughter of children. He was there at the request of a local organization dedicated to supporting children with serious illnesses. The kids had gathered, some lying in beds, others propped up with colorful pillows, and they all had one thing in common: a love for music and storytelling. Among them was a shy little girl named Lily, whose bright eyes sparkled with hope despite the challenging battle she faced every day.

The mood was light as Paul strummed his guitar, the familiar sounds of folk music filling the air. But as he noticed the children settling into a quiet reverie, he realized just how much they craved connection. It was then that Lily piped up with a request that pulled at his heartstrings. “Can you sing us a prayer?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Paul’s thoughts raced, knowing that his repertoire was filled with songs that celebrated love and peace, but none seemed to match what she was asking for. After a moment, he decided to turn to the words of comfort he had often found solace in—Psalm 23.

After setting down his guitar, he took a deep breath, and in a clear, soothing voice, Paul began to read the beloved passage. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…” As he spoke, a profound hush enveloped the room. The children leaned in closer, their eyes wide and attentive, each line carrying a weight of hope and reassurance. Paul could see the power of his words weaving a protective blanket around the fragile spirits in the room, and he felt a surge of purpose; perhaps this was the prayer Lily was seeking, not a song, but a message of love, safety, and trust.

When he finished, there was a moment of silence, almost sacred in its stillness. The children looked at one another and back at Paul, their hearts a little lighter. Lily, with a smile breaking across her face, clasped her hands together and whispered, “Thank you.” In that instant, Paul understood the true impact of his music beyond the concert stages and the Grammy awards. He realized that each note he played could serve as a source of healing, a gentle embrace for those who felt lost or alone.

That evening stayed with him long after he left the room filled with laughter and fading light. Inspired by what he had experienced, Paul dedicated himself more deeply to using his music for meaningful causes. He began organizing benefits and writing songs that raised awareness for social issues, finding ways to channel the love he felt from that group of children into tangible action. The encounter not only shaped his career but also shifted his perspective on the purpose of his art, making it about more than just the melodies—it became about connection, community, and uplifting those in need.

Years later, as he looked back on his journey, Paul knew that meeting Lily and the other children had been a defining moment in his life. Their laughter and gentle wishes for a prayer had pushed him to embrace his role as an artist with newfound passion. In the tapestry of his career, that day was a bright thread, a reminder that music has the power to heal, inspire, and create hope—even in the darkest times.