Dear Precious Lord, I acknowledge You and lift up my voice in praise to You. I have come to realize that You are not only my “Shepherd”, but my “Good Shepherd”. For Your word tells me that every good and perfect gift comes from You.
Let me never forget that, as one of Your sheep, I must acknowledge my complete and utter dependence on You for provision, guidance and protection. I know that as my “Good Shepherd” I can trust You to lead me in paths of righteousness with loving care for all of my needs. I understand my role is to follow You in the ways that You lead. In accepting this role, I will be totally content with my place in Your flock.
As I begin to trust and follow Your leading, I know You will guide me to “green pastures” and “still waters” … places where I can rest, be refreshed and become revitalized to tackle the struggles I face. Your desire is for me to walk and live in Your peace and your light.
Help me, Dear Lord, with my struggles with Death. It can cast a frightening shadow over me because I feel totally helpless in its presence. I struggle against it and the thought of it, but strength and courage on my own are not sufficient to overcome it. With Your strength and courage, I can walk through the valley of the “shadow of death” to the other side … where the “God of Life”, my “Good Shepherd” awaits. It is the place where I find comfort and rest.
Let me never forget that each day I am invited to sit at Your “banqueting table” and the banner you’ve raised over me is love. As an invited guest, You anoint me with the oil of gladness and hope. Because You have invited me, I know that You will protect me at all cost … especially when my enemies (doubt and worry) surround me.
Open my eyes to see Your gifts of “goodness” and “mercy” following me wherever I go, walking beside me, wanting to share Your love and never wanting to leave my side. I am so thankful for Your shepherding and I count it a joy to be counted as one of Your sheep. I rejoice in the fact that Your dwelling place and mine will be the same forever. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want …