John 10:11
[Jesus said] “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
Dear Lord Jesus,
I thank you for being our Good Shepherd. You patiently watch over us every day and make sure all our needs are provided. As a shepherd, you lead us where we need to go by your voice, and it is through your word you gently guide us every day. Send us your Spirit to encourage us to daily listen to you through reading and studying the Bible. When we face dangers that threaten our faith, let us hear your voice so we can run to you. We know you are our Good Shepherd because you were willing to lay down your life for us. As your sheep, the wolves—the devil, the world, and our own flesh—constantly lurk around us, trying to find out how and who they can devour. You went to the cross and gave up your life to destroy them. When you gave up your life, you did not abandon us but came back three days later. Lord, you made our eternal life more important than your own life. On the cross, you defeated our sin, so we have comfort knowing all our sins are forgiven. Thank you, Jesus, for being our Good Shepherd, in whom we have all confidence and through who we have gained our eternal life. Amen.
Vicar Roger Emmons
Since we like to wander like sheep into the thickets of sin, we need a shepherd to bring us back to the flock. Jesus is our Good Shepherd who loves you and already gave up his life for you, his little lamb.