A Prayer about the Good Shepherd

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

John 10:14-15

Good Shepherd,

We’re so glad that you know your sheep. 

You know everything about us—

you count every one 

of our wooly curls, 

you foresee every one 

of our mucky ruts, 

you right us every time 

we turn ourselves over. 

You have saved us from the thief 

who came to kill and steal and destroy (John 10:10). 

Without you, we were harassed and helpless, 

like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36),

 but you heard our bleating cries 

and came to save us. 

Thank you for attuning us 

to your firm but tender voice,

for teaching us to heed 

your gracious guidance. 

Most of all, thank you for becoming 

the sacrificial sheep for us, 

for laying down your life

that we might fully know you 

and fully know our Father. 

In your good shepherding name 

we pray. Amen.

Read John 10:1-18.