Morning by morning, from Lincoln Road, I travel south on I-15 to Helena. Sporadically, I pass by a large herd of sheep – sometimes west of I-15, sometimes east. Years ago, during lambing, remnants of our family visited a sheep outfit in Sweet Grass County, near Big Timber. Still, like most of us, I know little about sheep.
However, many of those who wrote the Bible knew sheep well.
What follows is a compilation of treasured Bible passages comparing God to a Shepherd and us to sheep. I hope you find this prayer – from Psalms, Isaiah, Ezekiel, John, Peter, and Revelation – invigorating to your soul.
Good, Shepherd, Gracious Shepherd, Chief Searcher after Your Flock, LORDD, You are my Shepherd. Shepherd with the nail-scarred, skillful hand, eternal praise be Yours alone, for You strengthen the weak, heal the sick, bind up the injured, bring back the strays, search for the lost and carry wee lambs in Your bosom- close to Your heart. You lead Your flock, nursing along nursing ewes. So may Your ways, Your kingdom, Your government, Your rights come.
You have been faithful and kind to call me to Yourself. Your gracious initiative – beginning the good work I could not – makes me lie down and rest. Teach me to distinguish the tones of Your voice – whether dulcet or demanding. Following You, I walk in paths of righteousness. Each day I thank you for healthy grass and fresh water – for tending me. O One Who is Always There – You have not abandoned me.
Rightful Owner, You love Your flock – each sheep of Yours You know and call by name. I marvel for I have heard tales of You risking Your life to protect Your flock – yes, me too – from mere hired hands, sly greedy thieves, and powerful, ravenous predators – lion, bear, and wolf – as well as the dangerous awkwardness of my own sheepish folly.
You have opened the door to Your sheepfold so wide. You have told us You must bring other sheep to Your fold. Pursue them until there is one flock and one Shepherd.
Who among critters like us could or would hope for Your sacrificial, everlasting love – let alone find it?! Yet, each of Your sheep testifies: “You left the ninety and nine to rescue me – to carry me home on Your strong shoulders.” Thundering, whispering, or humming, You enchant us by singing the song of redemption: “My Life for Yours.” Even in the presence of my enemies, I will fear no evil – for You are with me.
Too often, I act like one who does not belong to Your fold. Forgive me for trampling Your green pastures and muddying Your still waters. Forgive me for butting the weak. I seek their forgiveness too.
And, Watchful Shepherd, You know how prone I am to wander – prone to leave the God I love. Gate Your flock. Without Your restraining rod and staff, I stray.
When the shadow of death crosses my path, show me the light of Your countenance behind that darkness. Direct my feet. When danger is near, when I am weary, lazy, or fearful and lag behind, send Your fine collie dogs, Goodness and Mercy, to do what they must – pursuing me, keeping me with You and Your flock. Then I will neither be caught by nor fall into Satan’s wily traps. Still, when I get ensnared, have mercy; rescue me, Brave and Merciful Shepherd of my soul. Enfold me with Your flock.
May my companions and the lambs You have entrusted to my care know such mercy too.
Good Shepherd, life with You is full. On this new day of fresh mercies, I honor You with my body (grow, wool, grow!). Open my eyes so that I will praise you for the wonders of Your creation. What pasture! How did you ever conceive of taking green and brown grass and transforming such modest fodder into white wool? And how could the Chief Shepherd become the perfect, worthy Lamb of God which – although slain – after death still lived – and received the ongoing, cascading praise of unnumbered, adoring heavenly beings? “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb” (Rev. 7:10).
When I cannot see You, I honor your word – I want to follow You. Help me better understand how You are extending Your pasture for – in my small way – I want to partner with You. If this should be the last day of my life on earth, thank You again for shepherding me all the way – until I enter Your presence in heaven forever.
