Pastoral Prayer: Loving Shepherd

Here’s a pastoral prayer for Good Shepherd Sunday, or any other time when passages like Psalm 23 and John 10 are being used. It was written by Rev. Karla, and posted on RevGalBlogPals.

Pastoral Prayer

(inspired by Psalm 23, John 10)

Loving Shepherd,

You lead and guide,

You walk alongside,

You prepare, you feed, you call,

all of your sheep,

even those of us who are lost,

those of us who stray constantly,

those of us who stay close to your comforting staff.

We are grateful for the lush green pastures of our lives,

and we pause now to offer our thanksgivings

for the goodnesses in our lives…

There are so many who walk in the shadows

of fear and suffering and despair,

and we pause now, to offer our prayers

for the broken and bleeding places in this world…

We also offer our prayers for the sheep of our own flocks,

in our families and friends,

in this our church and our community…(pause)

O Loving Shepherd,

We have all we need,

as we live in You.

Amen.

~ written by Rev Karla, and posted on RevGalBlogPals. https://revgalblogpals.org/

Prayer Reflection: Through Light and Shadow

Here’s a thoughtful prayer reflection from Sally’s Eternal Echoes website.

Through Light and Shadow

through light and shadow

I am led, I follow,

through the ins and outs

the ups and downs 

of these days,

when my heart is failing,

when my spirit rejoices,

when I can barely put one foot 

in front of the other

still you beckon me on...

when I stumble you support me,

when I can go no further 

you carry me,

through light and shadow,

in death's dark vale,

and on the mountain peaks

you lead me,

through tangled webs,

on rocky ground,

on smoother paths,

through light and shadow

you lead me,

I follow,

may I never

walk alone...

~ written by Sally, and posted on Eternal Echoes. http://sallysjourney.typepad.com/sallys_journey/

Litany of Lament & Affirmation

Here’s a scriptural litany that contrasts the hope and confidence of the psalmist in Psalm 23 (in bold print) with the anguish and despair of the writer of Psalm 13 (light print).  The litany could either be read by two readers on behalf of the congregation, or the congregation could be invited to join in, choosing to read whichever psalm best represents their current experience of God’s presence.  

 

Whichever approach you choose, be sure to take your time.  Read slowly, without rushing.  

 

Experiencing God: Two Views

(Psalm 13 and Psalm 23)

O LORD, how long will you forget me? Forever?
How long will you look the other way?

            The LORD is my shepherd;

            I have everything I need.

            He lets me rest in green meadows;

            he leads me beside peaceful streams.

How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
with sorrow in my heart every day?

            He restores my soul.

            He guides me along paths of righteousness

            for the sake of his good name.

How long will my enemy have the upper hand?

Turn and answer me, O LORD my God!
Restore the sight to my eyes, or I will die.

            Even when I walk through the dark valley of death,

            I will not be afraid,

            for you are close beside me.

            Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!”
Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.

            You prepare a feast for me right in front of my enemies.

            You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil.

            My cup overflows with blessings.

But I trust in your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
I will sing to the LORD

because he has been so good to me.

            Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me

            all the days of my life,

            and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.  

~ Christine Longhurst, re:Worship

Prayer: Our Shepherding God

Here’s a prayer from Rev. Abi, written for “Good Shepherd” Sunday (the fourth Sunday of Easter), or any other time when Psalm 23, John 10 or other shepherding passages are being explored.

Our Shepherding God

O Lord, our Shepherding God,
come close to us now
Come near us in our time of need.

Shepherding God,
we need you in our time of anxiety.
We need you in our time of economic uncertainty.
We need you in a time of a globe-trotting disease.
We need you to bind our wounds,

    and pour your healing ointment on our heads .
We need the briars, and brambles, and burrs

    pulled out of our fleece and skin.

Shepherding God.
you guide us with your voice,
Help us to listen and follow no matter where your voice leads.
Help us to trust you.

Shepherding God,
protect us from the hired hands

that do not really care for us

and have neglected or abused us in the past.

Shepherding God,
thank you for your son

who lay down his life for those who follow him

and for those who are not in the fold yet..

Lord we pray for those who don’t know the shepherd,

whose life circumstances kept them from knowing the good shepherd.

We pray that by our actions, our behavior,

and our reaching out into the community,

they may come to know you.

Shepherding God,
renew us, guide us with your love

and renew us with your peace. Amen

~ written by Rev. Abi and posted on her Long and Winding Road blog. http://vicarofwadley.blogspot.ca/

Father's Day Prayer: Psalm 23

Here’s a Father’s Day prayer inspired by Psalm 23. It was written by Mark and Jill Herringshaw and posted on Prayer Plain & Simple.

A Prayer for Father on Father’s Day

(inspired by Psalm 23)

Father,

Provide for this man everything he needs,

for his spirit, soul, body, finances, and relationships.

Give him rest today;

rejuvenate him and give him the recreation that revives his life

and prepares him for the work ahead.

Renew his strength;

give him health and keep him fit for his work and his service.

Give him the wisdom and guidance he needs

to make decisions that will profit his soul.

Provide discernment.

When he faces challenges,

may he know that he doesn’t face them alone.

Give him courage as he walks through the tough times,

knowing that you are right there with him,

protecting him and defending him.

Bless him with the desires of his heart,

giving him joy and abundant provision.

Anoint him for the work you have given him to do,

and let him experience honor and respect in all his relationships.

Give him complete joy today,

opening his eyes to the many blessings you have given him.

May these blessings chase him down every day of his life.

May eternal life be his and may he taste Heaven on earth. 

~ written by Mark and Jill Herringshaw and posted on Prayer Plain & Simple. http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/prayerplainandsimple/2014/06/a-prayer-for-fathers-day.html

Call to Worship: The Lord is My Shepherd

Here’s a call to worship from Roddy Hamilton.  It is inspired by Psalm 23.

Call to Worship

(inspired by Psalm 23)

(Pour water into font with each stanza and let it overflow)

The Lord is my Shepherd
I shall not want

I seek the grace of God
and my cup runneth over

I seek the will of God
and my cup runneth over

I seek the strength of God
and my cup runneth over

How generous is God's love
so much the world cannot contain it

The Lord is my Shepherd
and I lack nothing

~ written by Roddy Hamilton, and posted on Mucky Paws. http://www.nkchurch.org.uk/index.php/mucky-paws

Call to Worship: I Am the Good Shepherd

Here’s a call to worship litany on the theme of the Good Shepherd.  It comes from the New Kilpatrick Parish Church website.

Call to Worship

(inspired by Psalm 23, John 10)

I AM the good shepherd
(the one who tends us,
guides us into pastures,
who recognises the sounds of our names).

I AM the good shepherd
(the one who bends to heal us
travels through the deepest valleys with us
who give up everything for us all).

I AM the good shepherd
(the one whose rod and staff comfort us
whose strength and love holds us
whose cup of love runneth over).

I AM the good shepherd
and we will dwell
in the house of the Lord
forever

Let us gather here
God’s People
in God’s love
for God’s world 

~ posted on the New Kilpatrick Parish Church website. https://www.nkchurch.org.uk/

Call to Worship: Good Shepherd

Here is a responsive call to worship inspired by the 23^rd Psalm. It was posted on the Literature & Liturgy website.

Call to Worship

(inspired by Psalm 23)

Our Lord is the Good Shepherd.

In his goodness he supplies our every need.
The Lord is our Shepherd,

and he takes perfect care of us.

Our Lord is the Good Shepherd.
He leads us into safety

and gives us strength for the journey.
The Lord is our Shepherd,

who grants us rest and restores our souls.

Our Lord is the Good Shepherd.
He sought us out when we were lost,

calling us by our names.
The Lord is our Shepherd,

and he has carried us home.  Amen.

~ posted on Literature & Liturgy. https://jesusscribbles.wordpress.com/

Contemporary Call to Worship: Easter 4

Here’s a contemporary call to worship written by Thom Shuman for the fourth Sunday after Easter.

Call to Worship

(Psalm 23, 1 John 3:16-24)

Day by day, God leads us:
to the deep, deep pools of peace,
to the green, lush lawns of grace.
Day by day, Jesus calls us:
to pour out ourselves in service,
to anoint the stranger with hope.
Day by day, the Holy Spirit shows us:
the community we could be,
the family we are called to become.

— written by Thom Shuman on Lectionary Liturgies.  

Psalm 23 Prayer: Urban Shepherd

Here’s a contemporary re-working of Psalm 23 from Mike Riddell. It was posted on Jonny Baker’s Worship Tricks blog.

Prayer: Urban Shepherd

(based on Psalm 23)

urban shepherd
you lead us through skyscraper canyons
past carbon monoxide
and mirror glass
and busker
you make us to lie down on park benches
and rest beside sewage settlement ponds
you keep our feet on pavement and escalator and lift shaft
and guide us through the back alleys
of our city

though we enter the concrete crevasse
we will not fear the chaos
for you are with us
you grant us a site in the sun
at a sidewalk cafe
where we drink cappuccino and are glad
you give us doughnut stalls
and film festivals and neon signs

surely your goodness and poverty
will follow us all the days of our lives
and we will come at last to the holy city

~ written by Mike Riddell, and posted on Jonny Baker Worship Tricks. http://jonnybaker.blogs.com/jonnybaker/2004/10/fractals_.html

Psalm 23 Prayer

Here’s a beautiful setting of Psalm 23 by Sonya Dyer.  It was posted on the Seekers Church website.

 

Prayer

(inspired by Psalm 23)

 

Holy God,
you are our shepherd,
we shall want for nothing that truly matters.

In green pastures you give us rest
and beside deep, still waters you lead us.
You promise to be with us always,
offering freedom from the frictions of hatred, anxiety, fear and pain.

You give us living water to satisfy our thirst for peace.

We praise you and wonder
if this is for all people.

You refresh and restore our souls
and guide us in right paths
for the sake of your name.

When we are cast down
we have been shown ways to bring a new creation
to life in our world.
Your unique plan for all of life and for each life
is written into our very essence.
May we believe it is a plan
filled with hope,
grown out of love.

Help our unbelief.

Even though we walk in the dark valley,
we will fear no danger
for you, God, are at our side,
with rod and staff to give us courage.
Each life, every nation, has its share of valleys.
Some seem to have more than is right.
You are a constant companion in the darkness.
When violence, pain and loss are heavy
you comfort.
When we are aching, lost and discouraged,
you seek us out.
When we go astray,
your compassionate judgment draws us back.

Receive our gratitude. Know our darkness.

You spread the table before us in the sight of our enemies
and richly bathe our heads with oil.
Our cups overflow.
O holy one,  
you are our host as well as our shepherd.
You invite us to the banquet,
the banquet of life.
All parts of the world are invited -
enemies and friends,
the alienated and powerful,
those close at hand and those far off.
You offer the abundance and lavishness
of bread broken and shared
and the cup of refreshment that leads to new life.

We praise and thank you for your abundant spirit.

Goodness and love unfailing,
these will follow us all the days of our lives,
and we shall dwell in the home of our God
for all eternity.

~ from Sonya Dyer’s Prayerbook, posted on the Seekers Church website. http://www.seekerschurch.org/

Blessing: Psalm 23

Here’s a blessing based on Psalm 23 from Roddy Hamilton.  It was posted on Mucky Paws.

Psalm 23 Blessing

In the lush pastures of life that hold meeting places with love,
may your feet know the way to find them.

By the still waters of the running stream,
may your hands shape a cup it and drink deep from it.

In the valley of death’s shadow that ever threatens,
may your sense of life find the way through.

At the banqueting table set before your enemies,
may your cup be full and overrunning.

Like the anointing oil that runs down your head,
may the blessing that is you spill into the world with eternal promise.

In the way a shepherd’s staff warms off lameness from fear,
may trust be your protective companion on the way.

Through each day’s living as it unfolds,
may goodness and mercy make their way into every moment.

At the doorway to the house of the Lord of life,
may you recognise your home and your hearth.

And in the song that makes a dwelling-place in your heart,
may its music rise in your soul.

~ written by Roddy Hamilton, and posted on Mucky Paws. http://www.nkchurch.org.uk/index.php/mucky-paws

Psalm 23: Prayer of Dedication

Here’s a prayer of commitment and dedication inspired by the 23^rd Psalm.  It was written by Katherine Hawker.

Prayer of Dedication

(inspired by Psalm 23)

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;

We believe in the goodness of God.

We believe God hears and responds to our needs.

We believe God responds to all children everywhere.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters,

he restores my soul.

We are grateful that we've been blessed with enough water.

But we know that many do not have enough.

Not enough water, not enough food, not enough peace.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Too many children do not see God's righteousness.

Too many children watch violence, taste hunger, feel fear.

Too many children cry from the unspeakable horror of war.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

To become involved is risky. Pain is often contagious.

Our hearts may be broken and our lives may be threatened.

Yet we hear God calling

and we can no longer hide.

Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of my enemies;

thou annointest my head with oil, my cup overflows.

Our steps may be small and timid.

We may read a book, write a letter, or make a gift.

But each tiny step is blessed by God and multiplies.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; 

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

God is more relentless than war.

God is more pervasive than hatred.

God is more insistent than despair.

Amen. Amen.

~ written by Katherine Hawker in 1994, and posted on Liturgies Outside website. http://www.liturgyoutside.net/Biblical.Psalms.pdf

Psalm 23: The Soul Shepherding Psalm

Here’s a paraphrase of Psalm 23 from Bill and Kristi Gaultiere.

The Soul Shepherding Psalm:

Psalm 23

The Lord Jesus is my Soul Shepherd

who meets all my needs and makes me smile

He gets me to stop working and to relax

with him in his Father’s loving arms

He takes me into a quiet place

to be still and know that he is God and I am loved

He heals and rejuvenates my whole being

with his grace from the inside out

He holds my hand at the crossroads

and walks me onto the path of life

Even though I go through dark and difficult times

I don’t fear anything bad because you are with me

You discipline me in love and converse patiently with me

to bring out the best in me

You prepare a celebration to bless and honor me

right in front of my enemies

You anoint me with your Spirit to minister to others

out of the overflow of your love to me

I can count on your generous favor and tender mercy

coming to me wherever I go

I will live in the presence of Christ as his beloved

in all things and at all times

~ written by Bill Gaultiere and Kristi Gaultiere.  Posted on Soul Shepherding. http://www.soulshepherding.org

Prayer: Host and Shepherd

Here’s a prayer of thanksgiving inspired by Psalm 23.  It was written by Sonya Dyer.

Prayer

(inspired by Psalm 23)

“You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.

You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil.” Psalm 23:5

O Holy One,
you are our host as well as our shepherd.
You invite us to the banquet,
the banquet of life.
All parts of the world are invited –
enemies and friends,
the alienated and powerful,
those close at hand and those far off.
You offer the abundance and lavishness
of bread broken and shared
and the cup of refreshment that leads to new life.

We praise and thank you for your abundant spirit.

Goodness and love unfailing,
these will follow us all the days of our lives,
and we shall dwell in the home of our God
for all eternity.

~ excerpted from a paraphrase of Psalm 23 written by Sonya Dyer.  From Sonya Dyer’s Prayerbook, posted on the Seekers Church website. http://www.seekerschurch.org/

Congregational Prayer: Good Shepherd

Here’s a pastoral prayer inspired by Psalm 23.  It was written by Carol Penner.

Prayer

(inspired by Psalm 23)

Gentle Shepherd:
Thank you for the way you have led us to green pastures and still water;
you’ve shown us beauty this week that has fed our souls.
The brilliant green of the budding trees glowing in the morning sun
the delicate symphony the birds sing each morning
the caress of the warm sun on our upraised cheeks,
the fragrance of lilac in the evening.

Some of us have walked through dark valleys this week,
and all of us know someone in a dark valley,
valleys of sickness, grief, uncertainty, fear.
You meet us there in the darkness, you protect us.
Our enemies are present in our lives;
forces that would take us away from you.
Pride, envy, hatred, selfishness,
all played out on an individual and corporate level.
We need your help in our lives.
You have heard the concerns of our hearts
that were spoken during our sharing time today,
and you heard the concerns that were unspoken,
which weight too heavily for us to share them.
We call on you for help; you guide us carefully.

You have provided for our basic needs this week,
thank you for the food we’ve eaten,
for the luxury of variety in our diet,
for the joy of cooking,
for the clean water that comes out of our taps.

You anoint us with oil,
you gift us with grace,
providing unexpected blessings over and over,
encouragement and new strength when we falter
tender compassion when we are spent.
Goodness and mercy is following us
all the days of our lives.
We give thanks for this good life,
for life and breath this day,
a day to praise and thank you,
we want to stay in your Presence forever.   Amen.

[after this prayer we moved straight into the song "Gentle Shepherd"]

~ written by Carole Penner, and posted on her Leading in Worship blog. http://carolpenner.typepad.com/leadinginworship/

Contemporary Hymn: Psalm 23

Here’s a simple new hymn inspired by Psalm 23.  It was written by Daniel Damon.  See below for a link to the music.

Take Me to the Water

Take me to the water

flowing deep and wide;

like a shepherd, lead me

to the riverside.

By the quiet waters,

gladly I lay down

all the things that keep me

from your holy ground.

Jesus, in the darkness

make the pathway clear;

I will fear no evil,

knowing you are near.

On a rocky table

in the wilderness,

set a feast before me-

let my foes find rest.

Show me fields of mercy

as I greet the dawn;

to your house of blessing,

I will follow on.

~ written by Daniel Charles Damon. Words © 2007 Hope Publishing Company.  Posted on Hope Publishing’s Online Hymnody website.  A PDF of the musical score available at http://www.hopepublishing.com/media/pdf/hset/hs_2545.pdf  If you use this song in worship, be sure to report it on your CCLI license.

Confession: Psalm 23

Here’s a responsive prayer of confession inspired by Psalm 23. It was written by Rev. Emily Schlaman Larsen, and posted on LiturgyLink.

Confession

(inspired by Psalm 23)

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

But, O Lord, we are consumed with wanting more.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.

But, O Lord, other pastures seem greener.  

The waters aren’t always still.  

Our souls still thirst.

He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.

O Lord, we long to be led by you,

though we may complain along the path.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil;

 for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.

And yet, O God, we do sometimes fear.  

May we feel your presence, your comfort and your forgiveness anew.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

O God, sometimes we refuse to sit down at your table.  

Forgive us and help us to see your overflowing mercy.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

Forgive us, God, and lead us into your house.

~ written by Rev. Emily Schlaman Larsen, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Winston-Salem, NC .  Posted on LiturgyLink.  http://www.liturgylink.net/

Psalm 23: Soul Shepherding Psalm

Here’s a reworking of Psalm 23 by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere.

Psalm 23

The Lord Jesus is my Soul Shepherd
who meets all my needs and makes me smile.
He gets me to stop working and to relax
with him in his Father’s loving arms;
He takes me into a quiet place
to be still and know that he is God and I am loved;
He heals and rejuvenates my whole being
with his grace from the inside out.
He holds my hand at the crossroads
and walks me onto the path of life.

Even though I go through dark and difficult times
I don’t fear anything bad because you are with me.
You discipline me in love and converse patiently with me
to bring out the best in me;
You prepare a celebration to bless and honor me
right in front of my enemies.

You anoint me with your Spirit to minister to others
out of the overflow of your love to me.
I can count on your generous favor and tender mercy
coming to me wherever I go.

I will live in the presence of Christ as his beloved
in all things and at all times!

~ written by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere, inspired by Psalm 23.  Posted on Soul Shepherding. http://www.soulshepherding.org/

Call to Worship from Psalm 23

Here is a responsive call to worship set for congregation and three voices.  It was adapted from Psalm 23 by The Rev. Marilyn Kennedy Levine. 

Responsive Call to Worship

(adapted from Psalm 23)

All:      The Lord is my shepherd.  I shall not want.

One:     It is you, Lord who makes me lie down in green pastures;

Two:     It is you who leads me beside the still waters.  

Three:  You restore my soul and guide me in paths of righteousness 
            for your name’s sake.  

All:      Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 
            I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
            your rod and your staff comfort me.  

One:     You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 

Two:     You anoint my head with oil; 

Three:  My cup runs over.  

All:      Surely goodness and mercy will follow me 
            all the days of my life, 
            and I will dwell in your house, O Lord, forever.

~ from Sharing the Light: Service Prayers and Holy Communion for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, written by The Rev. Marilyn Kennedy Levine.  Posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website. http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/