Dear Father in heaven, I thank You that You came to earth as a Shepherd, a Shepherd of weak and helpless lambs like me. I am so tempted to wander away from You, and become lonely and anxious. When I am close to You, I can hear your voice more clearly to encourage me and warn me of dangers ahead. Around You is a bright light which enables me to see where to walk. There are many dark traps to ensnare me, so I must be very careful to stay in the light of your presence.
Help me this day, my Shepherd, not to become discouraged by the evil which surrounds me. May I have the forgiveness and compassion to help those in trouble, but then let me return my eyes quickly to You and your glorious light. Light overcomes darkness, and only as I keep my eyes firmly fixed on You and your promises, thinking and speaking about your goodness, your mercy, and your grace will I be able to remain within the light. If I look too long into the darkness, my mind will become dark and I will think and speak things which pull me away from the light of your presence.
Teach me this day not to be selfish, but give me the insight to see the hurting faces of others. May I never be so consumed with my own fleshly interests that I cannot feel the pain of others or rejoice with them when they rejoice. Draw me into a place of praise and worship, a place where You can meet with me and I can find your peace, a peace which is not of this world. Help me to keep my mind focused on eternal riches, and away from worldly glitter and false beauty. The only eternal beauty is to look into Your face and be at one with You.
Deliver me this day from evil. I say again, deliver me this day from evil. I want no part of the sin which entangles and chokes me like a rope around my neck. If I do not take dominion over sin as You have provided me with the strength to do, I will allow the devil to deceive me about You, about others, and about myself. Please help me to know what is true and what is false. When others speak evil of me, remind me that You said I am to forgive those who sin against me because they know not what they do. Help me to remember that they really do not know what they do just as the Pharisees would not have condemned You to die had they understood You were the very God they served. They, like those who persecute me, know not what they do.
Shine Your light of truth on me, dear Shepherd, in these times of darkness. May I not be deceived in any way and fall into sin this day. As I read what You have written in the Bible and call upon You to answer this prayer, I know I shall be safe. And should I stumble or fall, I know that You will pick me up quickly, speak quiet words of comfort and reassurance, and then put me down to choose where I want to walk. Thank you for that freedom You give me to decide whether I want light or darkness, sin or goodness, the darkness of the evil world or the light of Your holy presence. I thank You for that ability to choose where I want to walk, because my Christian faith is one of freedom to make choices. When I choose to make You my Shepherd, I am free - free from the curse of the law and free from condemnation.
Blessed be your holy Name!