Thursday August 26, 2021

Today is Thursday, August 26 and this week we are exploring the concept of restoration and how it relates to the biblical story.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I calm my thoughts and silence my mind. I breathe deeply and slowly, and center myself upon the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

Come Holy Spirit, enlighten my heart and mind as I digest God’s Word in the holy scriptures. God, teach me how to listen for your voice. Help me understand what you are saying in my life. I am listening. Speak to me in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

I am praying the scriptures with God, carefully listening for the word God has prepared for me today. I reflect upon the familiar words of Psalm 23 and ask God to enable me to see this Psalm with fresh eyes.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3

Pause and Pray

God guides me to places of restoration in the same way a shepherd might guide a flock of sheep to good pasture and fresh water. In the gospel of John, Jesus defines himself as a Good Shepherd. He describes what a Good Shepherd does and does not do. This helps me understand what having my own personal shepherd means for me. I listen for Jesus’ voice as he speaks these words to me.

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:9-11

We have a God who guides us into all good things. I may choose to follow the guidance of my Good Shepherd or I may choose to follow my own path and make my own ways believing I know what is best for myself. God loves me so much he wants to equip me with everything I need for life. God wants me to rest in good places, find peace and experience refreshment which leads to restoration. God is always guiding me on paths that are good, leading me to righteousness and blessing. I want to follow God’s leadership but recognize the times I insist on going my own way without God.

Ask: In what places in my life am I following the leadership of the Good Shepherd and where am I going my own way?

Pause and Pray

God, you are a God who offers peace for the soul. Thank you for sending Jesus so that I may have life and have it abundantly. Thank you that I have a Good Shepherd in Jesus. Give me grace to trust Jesus and follow him completely. I reread the words of Jesus again and seek your message for me today.

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:9-11

Ask: What word or phrase strikes me when I read this passage? What might God be speaking to me as I ponder this word or phrase in my heart?

As I reflect on this passage of scripture, I try to get to the essence of what God is revealing to me. I consider the words that stand out to me the most. Are they the words that describe what is going on in my life? Words like thief, steal, kill, destroy. Or are they words that point to the blessing Jesus wants to bring into my life. Words like salvation, life, pasture, full, abundance? I consider places where I may be following someone or something that is not Jesus. Where do I need to correct my path? I consider places where I am following Jesus and have found life and am experiencing the fullness of that life because of God.

Pause and Pray

God of Holiness, today I name the places where I need to better follow you. I am thankful for Jesus, my Good Shepherd and ask Him to carry me when I need to be carried and lead me where I need to be led. Amen.

He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I go in Christ’s love. I ask God to reveal others to me who are in need of the love of the Shepherd. Amen.