THE GOOD SHEPHERD CALLS US TO CARE
Prayer of Petition
during this Coronavirus Pandemic
Loving God,
If we are ill, strengthen us.
If we are tired, fortify our spirits.
If we are anxious, help us to consider the lilies of the field
and the birds of the air.
Help us not to stockpile treasures from supermarkets
in the barns of our larders.
Don't let fear cause us to overlook the needs of others
more vulnerable than ourselves.
Fix our eyes on your story and our hearts on your grace.
Help us always to hold fast to the good,
See the good in others,
And remember there is just one world, one hope,
One everlasting love, with baskets of bread for everyone.
We make our prayer through the One who suffered,
died and was raised to new life,
In whom we trust these days and all days,
~ Barbara Glasson, President of the Methodist Conference
‘I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly’
Jesus in John chapter 10 verse 10.
Jesus portrays himself as a shepherd, the Good Shepherd.
And what is the duty of this shepherd?
To protect his flock, to lead the flock,
to know the flock.
There is a beautiful line in this passage which reads: ‘the sheep follow him because they know his voice.’
What does it mean, to know the voice of Jesus? It is to be in deep relationship with Him, to know His voice, to reply, above the ‘noise’ of the world around us.
In order to know someone,
we have to spend time with them,
being aware of their presence,
talking to them, listening, considering them friend and beloved.
We are invited into a deep relationship with the Shepherd;
invited to listen out for his voice,
a voice that brings peace, not discomfort.
As we learn to live with the Coronavirus outbreak, with social distancing, schools and colleges closed, it is a frightening time for many people. As Christ is shepherd to us, we are also called to be shepherds to others. As followers of the Good Shepherd, may we look out for others,
not just in this time of crisis, but in all times so that all may ‘have life and have it abundantly.’
Jane Mellett, Intercom Magazine,
Irish RC.
Good Shepherd, within your embrace we are safe and secure.
Within your embrace we know that we are precious in your sight.
Within your embrace we feel the warmth of family and belonging.
Within your embrace we grow and are nurtured together as one flock,
the people of your pasture under your loving care and protection.
Good Shepherd, within your embrace we find comfort and healing. We bring to you those who are weak, or struggling with physical, mental or spiritual health. You are the great healer, and we pray for healing of mind and body for those we now
name …………..
Good Shepherd, within your embrace we find justice. We bring to you the brave voices who cry out for freedom,
those prepared to stand up and be heard without counting the cost.
We pray for those who have been imprisoned or tortured for their race, colour, caste or faith. For all Christians who have taken up the Cross
and know its weight and pain.
Good Shepherd, within your embrace we find peace.
We bring to you those orphaned, crippled or dispossessed by war,
for refugees wandering this earth in search of a home,
for all victims of strife and warfare,
and for all those who have dedicated their lives
for the search for peace and reconciliation.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.(Psalm 118:1) - John Birch
Good Shepherd,
may we be faithful to your calling
to care for all that are close to us,
to protect those who are threatened,
to welcome those who are rejected,
to forgive those who are burdened by guilt, to heal those who are broken and sick, to share with those who have little or nothing, to take the time to really know one another
and love as you have loved us.
Good Shepherd, may we be faithful to your calling to spread compassion to those who are far away,to speak for those who are voiceless, to defend those who are oppressed and abused,
to work for justice for those who are exploited, to make peace for those who suffer violence, to take the time to recognise our connectedness, and to love as you have loved us. Good Shepherd, may we be faithful to your calling to be shepherds in your name. John van de Laar, © 2009 Sacredise on his Sacredise.com website.
REGINA COELI
Joy to thee, O Queen of Heaven, alleluia! He whom thou wast meet to bear, alleluia! As he promised, hath arisen,
alleluia! Pour for us to him thy prayer,
alleluia!
Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia!
For the Lord has risen indeed, alleluia!
O God, by the Resurrection of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, you have brought joy to the whole world: grant that, by the help of his mother, the Virgin Mary, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life;through Christ the Lord.
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