Gracious Father, I am overwhelmingly thankful for the band of brothers and sisters in Christ you have placed in my life as we pursue you and ministry together. I want to particularly thank you and pray for them as we have experienced a great calling, responsibility, and honor to bring glory to your name as shepherds of your flock.
Father, remind us continually of Christ’s suffering and death that brought us life and the privilege to share in your glory. The responsibility to shepherd your flock is exceedingly high.
Father, we accept your calling humbly, sober-mindedly, and desperately dependent upon you. Without your empowering and loving guidance, we would find ourselves like the blind leading the blind. We are fully aware that we have nothing to offer in our own strength and that anything of eternal value must flow from your Spirit through us.
Lord Jesus, you are the Great Shepherd. Bless us with your promised Christ-centered discernment and wisdom, tenderheartedness and patience, and timely opportunities to speak your truth in love as we prayerfully hope to see those entrusted to us thrive in their dependence upon you.
Father, this blessing to shepherd your people we receive willingly, not under compulsion, but because of your clear call and gifting. We cry out for your keen awareness alerting us to when we are falling prey to powerful, yet common temptations as we shepherd. Protect us from seeking self-glory by attempting to build our own kingdom rather than yours, from dependence upon our own resources and practices rather than dependence upon you, and from using ministry as a means of self-elevation or prideful pursuits rather than humble service. Give us hearts that operate out of a broken and contrite spirit, finding our hope in Christ alone. Give us your mind, Lord Jesus, to see the heart-felt needs of those you have entrusted to us and your heart of wisdom and truth to eagerly point them to you as we love and serve them. May we overflow as living examples to those we serve, demonstrated by a humility leading to utter dependence upon Christ!
In Christ,
Blessings!
I Peter 5:1-6
5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.