A Prayer to the Chief Shepherd

"Therefore, I urge the congregation leaders among you, as a fellow leader and witness to the Messiah's sufferings, as well as a sharer in the glory to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is in your care, exercising oversight not out of constraint, but willingly, as God wants; and not out of a desire for dishonest gain, but with enthusiasm; also not as (machers) domineering over those in your care, but as people who become examples to the flock. Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive glory as your unfading crown." 1 Peter 5: 1-4; the Complete Jewish Bible

Master, how shall I lead the flock

that You entrust to me,

How shall I adequately love the ones

that You have prepared for me?

How shall I entreat and protect

Your chosen ones in my care,

How shall I walk with certainty

Yet share Your example of humility so rare?

Master, will You teach me how to carry

Your lambs in my arms

Will You show me how to wrestle

for the willful ones in prayer?

Will You provide the care that cast away anxiety

Will Your constant flow of joy

replenish the burden of piety?

Gentle Shepherd, please lead me beside Your Living Stream

and restore my soul to Your Reflection...

For then I know that I can rest

in Your goodness and Mercy

as my feet find its way in Your Pastures of Peace.

Written by: Yulande Rix Oosthuyzen

August 07, 2011

Surrey, BC