One Flock, One Shepherd

So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.” John 10:7-17

Creator you call us all your flock

created to hear and know you

to follow your voice homeward

and to know our place in the fold.

We often wander and are scattered

wolves lurk around the flock daily

we are drawn away by tastier grass

led astray by temporary affections.

Yet you are ever watching and tending

caring for us in our very obstinance

surrounding us with good pasture

and safe havens for our resting time.

Help us to hear your voice anew

let us come running when you call

give us eyes to see your love for all

and hearts to share your love with everyone. Amen.