"Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' – Luke 15:4-6

The following poem was written as a prayer to the Good Shepherd. It is based on the Twenty-third Psalm and the Parable of the Lost Sheep. It is not intended to be a paraphrase of the Twenty-third Psalm.

Prayer: Gentle Shepherd, you lead us to green pastures and to clear, flowing streams. Yet we sometimes stray to the rocky cliffs. As the storms of life engulf us, we listen for your voice. Sometimes it seems to grow faint. There are times when we feel altogether lost. Just as we are about to give up hope, we hear you call our name. You reach out your hand and lift us from the precipice. If we but follow, you will lead us safely home.

Teach us how to share this good news with those who have strayed to the rocky crags. Perhaps we can be beacons of light to help them find their way through the dark valley. Many of our fellow lambs are sick, tired, and hurting. Carry them in your arms as we wend our way to safe pastures. Amen