Loving Father, with a grateful heart,
I acknowledge the gift of your Son,
our Shepherd.
Help me learn to recognize his voice
when it is spoken to me every day,
but especially when I am vulnerable
and need protection and strength.
Give me the heart of a Good Shepherd,
that I, too, will care for those
who are vulnerable, anxious, lonely.
Help me to recognize myself in them
and to reach out to them in times of need.
I pray in union with the Holy Spirit,
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Adapted from The People's Prayer Book, © RENEW International.