PRAYER

Blessed are you, Sovereign God, King of the nations, to you be praise and glory forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting Your name is proclaimed in all the world. As the Sun of Righteousness dawns in our hearts anoint our lips with the seal of your Spirit that we may witness to Your gospel and sing Your praise in all the earth. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

READING

Psalm 23 (KJV)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

² He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

⁵ Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

REFLECTION

We are lovingly referred to as sheep and God as our shepherd. Why are we like sheep? Here are a few reasons:

Sheep must be free from FEAR

Sheep can’t relax if they don’t feel safe, BUT when sheep listen and obey their shepherd’s voice, fear can be reduced.

We also can’t rest or sleep if we are afraid or don’t feel safe. That’s why our shepherd, Jesus makes us feel safe and loved.

Sheep must be free from FRICTION

Because sheep love to be around other sheep, they can’t rest or lie down if something is wrong in the flock (i.e. a sheep is being aggressive, or a lamb is injured)

People love to be around other people too! Like sheep we have a hard time resting if we are mad, sad or hurt by another person.

When we listen and obey our shepherd, Jesus, peace can fill our hearts.

Sheep must be free from DISTRACTIONS

If flies or parasites are bothering sheep, they will not lie down. They are too agitated. We also can’t sleep if our minds and thoughts are bothered. Worries about school, Covid-19, friends, or family can affect our rest.

That is why our shepherd, Jesus gives us a way to deal with our distractions. The Bible says, “Whatever is true...right...excellent..think about these things” (Philippians 4:8)

LENT APPLICATION

Try memorizing Psalm 23

Consider helping in the kitchen at meal times