A Prayer to the Good Shepherd

Thank you, Lord, that I’m never alone. You are always near, never far. The Good Shepherd guiding me, as I’m prone to stray. Protecting me. Preparing me for what’s next, though I don’t always pay attention. 

But You never give up on me, You just keep pointing me back to You. Leading me on paths of righteousness that honor You. Leading me to green meadows and still waters that restore my soul. 

Though the way sometimes requires us to go through dark valleys. But I never have to fear, for You are always with me. Comforting me. Defending me. At times carrying me.

You even carry me on to victory. Great victory. You prepare a feast for me right in the presence of my enemies.

You give me all I need and more. You fill my cup to overflowing. You anoint me with oil. You lavish me with grace, love, and kindness. 

Your goodness and mercy follow me, now and surely for all my days. For You are my Good Shepherd, who goes behind me and before me. You prepare a place for me. You give me an open invitation to Your house.  

And in Your house and Your presence I will dwell, forever. Amen.

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The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake.

Even 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,
    they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

– Psalm 23 (ESV)