Lord, I pray that my heart would seek to follow you.

Father, open my eyes to see the flock in which you’ve entrusted to me.

Thank you for the high calling of being a shepherd.

Help me lead those you have put under my care with humility, patience and mercy.

Lord, strengthen the hearts of those under my care.

I pray they know you in real, lasting ways.

I pray that they, too, may grow in humility, patience and mercy.

Help them to know the love you have for them, now and always.

Allow them to see your love through me.

In Jesus’s name,

Amen.

(For the 4th Sunday of Easter, 2023)