Presence

As I enter this time of prayer, I become aware of my breath that is God’s life-sustaining gift to me. I allow myself to breathe a little more slowly, deeply and gently for a couple of moments.

Freedom

Lord, too often I think I am the one in control of my life.
Help me to see that I am powerless over so much.
I ask for the grace to be able to hand over my life to You
and experience the joy of that freedom.

Consciousness

Holy Spirit, fall afresh on me during this time of prayer. Through You, may I come to know that I am a beloved child of God.

The Word of God

¹²What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? ¹³And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. ¹⁴So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.

Inspiration

The theme of God as the Shepherd of his people Israel and the people of God as his flock is very strong in both the Old and New Testament. Psalm 22 is entirely devoted to it. In John’s Gospel it is a major theme, and there Jesus says he will lay down his life for his sheep.

It is clear that our God is a God of mercy. As we look back over our lives let us give him thanks for his many mercies shown to us.

Conversation

What feelings are rising in me as I pray and reflect on God’s Word?
I imagine Jesus Himself sitting or standing near me and I open my heart to Him.

Conclusion

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,
is now and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.

Amen