Why does a deer pant for water?

Deer, and dogs, do not need to be trained to pant—and they do not need to be trained to drink water. Thirst, and a knowledge of how to satisfy that thirst, comes naturally to them. And, I would say, in following St. Augustine, that the thirst of our soul for God comes naturally to us as well. read more

Yet the overheated deer does pant thirstily as he or she yearns for cool drinking water. Even so the psalmist’s soul thirsts for God. It is true that we are the “sheep” of God’s pasture (Psalm 100: 3), and He is the good “shepherd” . read more

The deer pants for water when it is being chased or hunted so it seems as David is feeling like a hunted man. He panted for the water of knowing God’s touch and like David we need to come to the water of the word of God and be refreshed and cleansed. This is one of the most personal songs of prayer. read more

A feeding or drinking deer is a setting void of sounds made by the deer. There is no squawking, chirping, or rooting sounds made by the alert but calm animal. There is a type of peace and silence that is unique to the scene embedded in the feeding or drinking deer. Water is also vital to a deer in another way. read more