Most Loving Lord, I feel much comfort in knowing that You are My Shepherd. I accept You as the gateway for my life. As a sheep in Your foal, I enter in because of the safety and comfort You offer from circumstances, the attacks of the Devil and sin. As I spend time in relationship with You, I’m learning to recognize Your voice. In learning to discern Your voice, I become better equipped to hear and follow Your instructions. As My Good Shepherd, I know You will stand with me through whatever I face. As a result of Your faithfulness, I have confidence in following Your lead. I must always be on guard to not listen to the voices of the world which try to drown You out and mislead me into following false truths. I know in my heart that You care about me and that makes it easier to yield to You. I am also very thankful to be included in Your “sheep pen” … the church.
As the gate to the “sheep pen” I rely on You for my safety and security. I see You as My Protector. I also accept You as the gateway to God’s salvation. I accept the offering of Yourself as my pathway into Heaven. As the Son of God who has offered Himself for my sake, why would I need or want any other Shepherd but You? In You, I find a life filled with abundance and blessings. With You as My Leader, my life is abundantly richer and fuller. Living with You by my side helps me live on a higher plane of abundant forgiveness, grace, love and guidance. I know that everything that is done on my behalf is done out of love. Therefore, anyone else who offers himself as My Shepherd is motivated by something else. Your role is not a job, but a commitment to care for my needs and lead me to a better life. I have no reason to question Your motives because You laid down Your life for me.
I know that with any gate, going out is as important as coming in. After spending time with You inside of the “sheep pen”, I know You want me to go outside and experience the lush pasture and refreshing waters You offer Your sheep. In venturing to the outside, I know You will help me grow by exposing me to new things. Like I do when I’m inside the “sheep pen”, I know I can count on Your wisdom and power to protect me from whatever is lurking outside of it. In leaving the “sheep pen”, you expect me to offer to other sheep, who are strangers to You, the promise of Your safety and love. I cannot be stingy and keep what You’ve shown me to myself. Unselfishly, I must go outside in order to bring Your light to the darkness. I am so thankful for all that You’ve done for me and I want to share it with others. As You have dedicated Yourself to me, I dedicate myself to You. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
John 10:3 The watchman opens the gate for Him, and the sheep listen to His voice. He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.