On this, the Fourth Sunday of the Easter Season often referred to as “Good Shepherd Sunday” we pray to the image of Jesus, our eternal shepherd, who leads us, His sheep, to eternal life. Together may we offer our petitions and praise to our Good Shepherd, praying for the world and all its peoples, for the Church, and for ourselves.

Good Shepherd, you keep us safe in your Word through day and night. You strip away any enemy if we focus on your righteousness. You never lead us astray. Your goodness and mercy overflow in our lives. May we love You in all things and above all things. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Lord Jesus, your servant Paul urged the elders of the churches to watch over your flock, guarding them from the dangerous ones that threaten them. Bless your Church with pastors, leadership and teachers who rightly proclaim and teach your Word; protect your people from falsehood and peer pressure, and lead your people into lives of faithfulness and discipleship. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Good Shepherd, bless and direct the people of this congregation. Let us be so confident that you love us and know each of us by name, that we can move past our fears and preoccupations into eager discipleship and loving service, to your glory and for the good of those in our family, community, workplace and world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, give a shepherd’s heart to the leaders of all nations, especially our own. Teach them to seek the welfare of their people above power, wealth, or re-election. Help them shape policies that permit the simple blessings of decent food, clean water, and the chance to learn, work, and raise families in freedom and safety. And to all people, especially those whose lives have been shattered by violence, grant a measure of your peace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Good Shepherd, bless and gently guide our littlest lambs – our infants and toddlers, and all who are newborns in the faith. Lead them in safety through the dangers of this world; crown their innocence with holiness; and teach them to know your voice and to gladly follow wherever you would have them go. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we pray for those in the military, and for all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Give them the wisdom, courage and integrity to protect innocent lives from the threatening dangers of hatred and violence. Shield them from harm; heal them when they fall; and bring them swiftly home to their loved ones, and to new opportunities to be true guardians of your flock. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Good Shepherd, you know by name all who are sick or sorrowing; lonely or confused; hurting or despairing; and all who cry out for mercy. Speak your word of healing, life and comfort to them, especially those in our hearts and through our prayer list. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we recite the Shepherd’s Psalm at the death of a member of your flock, confident that you have led them through death’s dark vale into your Father’s house. We therefore entrust into your keeping all our dear departed. Lead us, as you have led them: in good times and bad, in health and sickness, in joy and despair, in life and in death. And bring us, and all whom you have redeemed, into your house where we may live forever. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Good Shepherd, you keep us safe in your Word through day and night. Lead us each day into your blessings. Enable us to trust in You, just as sheep trust in their shepherd, knowing that You will lead us through all the blessings and trials of life to eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.