Here are a variety of scriptural resources for the fourth Sunday of Easter (sometimes called Good Shepherd Sunday because of the use of Psalm 23 and John 10). You'll find some calls to worship, a congregational affirmation, words of assurance and a benediction—all based on the lectionary texts for the day. Feel free to revise and adapt these to suit your own local context.
Easter 4 : Call to Worship I
(based on Psalm 2 3 1 0
We gather together in the presence of our Shepherd God,
who calls us each by name,
who restores our souls,
who leads us in the way of righteousness,
and whose goodness and love never stops pursuing us.
This is the God we have come to worship!
Easter 4 : Call to Worship II
(based on 1 0
Shout with joy to the Lord!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy!
Know that the Lord is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people,
the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
For the Lord is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues
to each generation.
Easter 4 : Call to Worship III
(with allusions to Psalm 2 3 1 02 )
We gather together to worship God,
the Shepherd of our souls.
The one who has created us,
who sustains us,
who redeems us,
who walks beside us in good times and bad,
and who calls us to follow.
This is our God!
Let’s worship Him together!
Easter 4 : Congregational Affirmation
(based on Psalm 2 3
You, O God, are our Shepherd.
You provide everything we need.
You let us rest in green meadows
and lead us beside quiet streams.
You renew our strength,
and guide us in ways that bring honor to Your name.
Even when we walk through difficult valleys,
we will not fear,
for you never are far away—
protecting and comforting,
guarding and guiding every step we take.
You prepare a feast for us
in the presence of our enemies.
You welcome us as friends
and lavish your blessings on us.
We know that your goodness and unfailing love
will continue to pursue us all the days of our lives,
and that after our lives here are over,
we will spend eternity in your presence.
Easter 4 : Words of Assurance following Confession
(based on I Peter 2 , New Living Translation)
Sisters and brothers,
our Lord Jesus Christ personally carried our sins
in his body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin
and live for what is right.
By his wounds you are healed!
Once you were like sheep
who wandered away.
But now you have returned to your Shepherd,
the Guardian of your souls.
Thanks be to God!
Easter 4 : Words of Assurance following Confession
(based on I Peter 2 , The Message)
Once you were lost sheep
with no idea who you were
or where you were going.
But no longer!
Through Jesus Christ, things have been set right with God.
He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross
so we could be rid of sin,
free to live the right way.
His wounds become your healing.
Now you are named and kept for good
by the Shepherd of your souls.
Thanks be to God!
Easter 4 : Benediction
(based on Hebrews 1 3 2 0-2 1
May the God of peace—
who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
may he equip you with all you need
for doing his will.
May he produce in you,
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.
who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
may he equip you with all you need
for doing his will.
May he produce in you,
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.
Looking for other calls to worship and benedictions?
Check the “Labels” list on the lower right side of the page for more options.
Looking for other resources for the fourth Sunday of Easter (April 29, 2012)?
Click on Easter 4 in the list of "Labels" at the right.
