Thursday Prayer

Welcome to daily prayer. This week we are reflecting on the LORD as Yahweh Rohi, the LORD, my Shepherd. Today, we rejoice in Jesus the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep.

As we begin our prayer now, let’s quiet our hearts and minds before the LORD.

A Prayer of Surrender

LORD, I confess that Jesus Christ is LORD. It is good to rest in your Presence. I release every thought, care, and worry that would compete for my attention.

I give everyone and everything to you.

O Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare your praise.

A Scripture Reading from John 10:10-15

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

A Prayer of Adoration

Lord Jesus, I adore You as the Good Shepherd. You know my name. You know everything about me- every thought, every failure, every sin- and still you laid down your life so that I might live- now and forever. Good Shepherd, You proved Your love by placing yourself between me and destruction. You delivered me from death and brought me into fullness of life. For such great love and sacrifice, I worship you.

A Prayer of Confession

Lord, sometimes I am far too easily satisfied with things that are not life. In laziness, selfishness, weariness, or distraction, I let myself be deceived by the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I forget that you and you alone offer true abundant life. Forgive me for reaching out to anyone or anything else for what only You can give. I want to know you and be known by you. Help me to recognize and follow your voice alone.

A Prayer of Trust:

Good Shepherd, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You reveal the heart of the Father and You are the way to the Father. You know me and I know you. I trust you to be- and to provide- all I need for life.

A Prayer of Intercession:

Lord, I pray for those who are trusting in someone or something other than you. Would you rescue them, draw them into your fold, and shepherd their hearts? Open their eyes to see that true and abundant life is found in you alone.

A Moment of Reflection:

Am I looking anywhere- or to anyone- other than God for life?

I turn away from all others and toward You, Good Shepherd. You alone are life.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

A Closing Prayer

Jesus, thank you that you came to reveal the heart of the Father and to ransom my heart for relationship. The reality that I can know you and be known by you- just as you know and are known by the Father- is beyond my ability to comprehend. Lead me into a deeper understanding of your love, Good Shepherd. 

 In your name,

Amen.