Prayers of the People: Good Shepherd

Here’s a prayer of intercession using the image of God as shepherd.  It was written by John Birch, and posted on his Faith and Worship website.

Prayer of Intercession: Good Shepherd

(based on Psalm 23, Psalm 95:6-7, John 10)

Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care. (Psalm 95:6,7)

Good Shepherd, within your embrace we are safe and secure. Within your embrace we know that we are precious in your sight. Within your embrace we feel the warmth of family and belonging. Within your embrace we grow and are nurtured together as one flock, the people of your pasture under your loving care and protection.

Come, let us bow down
Before the LORD our Maker

Good Shepherd, within your embrace we find comfort and healing. We bring to you those who are weak, or struggling with physical, mental or spiritual health. You are the great healer, and we pray for healing of mind and body for those we now name in the silence of our hearts.

Come, let us bow down
Before the LORD our Maker

Good Shepherd, within your embrace we find justice. We bring to you the brave voices who cry out for freedom, those prepared to stand up and be heard without counting the cost. We pray for those who have been imprisoned or tortured for their race, colour, caste or faith. For all Christians who have taken up the Cross and know its weight and pain.

Come, let us bow down
Before the LORD our Maker

Good Shepherd, within your embrace we find peace. We bring to you those orphaned, crippled or dispossessed by war, for refugees wandering this earth in search of a home, for all victims of strife and warfare, and for all those who have dedicated their lives for the search for peace and reconciliation.

Come, let us bow down
Before the LORD our Maker

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.(Psalm 118:1)

— written by John Birch, and posted on his Faith and Worship website.

For more worship resources for Easter 4 (Good Shepherd Sunday), click on Easter 4 Year A or Easter 4 Year B in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.  See also Psalm 23 in the same list.