April 26 Prayer

April 26 Prayer

‘I am the gate for the flock, the gateway, ...I know them…’

To see is to recognize
the gate as the shepherd who knows each
sheep as his own.
Sheep, that are wounded and lame,
lost and wandering, scattered,
listening for a familiar voice.

So they may follow
and enter into a pasture place
where they are
safe and sound, and secure.

We can hear his voice and recognize him
by what is going on inside.

You can tell whose voice is calling
by what it does in you...
Does it bring hope or fear?
Is it vibrant or dull?
Does it lead you into fullness or desolation?

Look to the heavens above and the land of abundance afar.
His mercy calls us all to come into him.
It is here we listen and follow the voice that will lead us into life.

Wherever you are dull and fearful
bring you whole self to the gate as you pray;

‘God of the dawning daylight
shining upon us to lead us through the darkness.

We look to the heavens where your mercy is
and your truth in the skies.

We trust in your way to lead us.
We ask for your voice to be so strong to lead those in darkness into your light.

Jesus, the light to our eyes,
give us courage to say yes to the unknown,
yes to the change inside of us that leads us into life.

May we be light bearers in a dark world.
May we bring hope to those that are wandering and are weak.

May we show them the way to your pastures
where you will bind up the injured and bring back the strays.

May your shalom rest in us
as we walk through You,
the gateway to experience the
fullness of life, freedom and truth.

All glory be to our God,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen
DB

John 10:1-16, Ps.57, Ezek.34:14-16