Reflection

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.” –Psalm 23:1-3

Prayer

Gracious shepherd,

For every opportunity you give us to enjoy respite within your beautiful world, we thank you. Yet we are also mindful today of those who are far removed from any “verdant pastures.” Those who must strain and toil to find any water at all, as the earth struggles to flourish in the way that it should. For these, our fellow citizens in this one common home, we pray you would shepherd and guide them with special concern. Help us to love them better by loving the earth that we share together. No matter where we live, may your shepherding spirit provide refreshment of souls, so that we may follow your lead and restore health and well-being to rest of the earth and its inhabitants. For our sake and the sake of all people, we pray. Amen.

Call to Action

What am I doing to shepherd the weary? Am I the one needing to be led in this way? Be mindful today of my call to lead others in the ways of peace, as well as my own need for respite.