O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people; Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.
We just crossed the halfway mark in our Easter celebration this week on Sunday, traditionally known as Good Shepherd Sunday. The readings focus upon this descriptor of our Lord and the our call to faithfully follow Him. With this image comes the reminder that when we do so, we find Jesus to be our protector, guide, and caregiver among the many other roles He provides for our lives. As you keep the celebration of Easter going, I would encourager you to explore that theme this week.
If you have children in your home, you might want to do a craft around this idea. A few ideas can be found here and here. As you work on one together, explore the meaning too. You might discuss what the role of a shepherd entails and how it translates to calling Jesus the Good Shepherd. Perhaps you might explore what it means to be sheep and how we, as His sheep, are to follow Jesus. Discuss ideas of daily routines that could assist you toward that end.
Historically, the Church called such routines a Rule of Life. It is likened to a dowel that a plant is loosely tied to in order to help it grow upright and to prevent it from bring knocked over. In the same way, a Rule of Life is a guideline in our lives to assist us in growing in the likeness of Jesus and not being knocked over by the events that can distract us or take us off course. This routine may include daily morning and evening prayer (found here) and Scripture reading in addition to Sunday worship. Create a routine in your life individually and as a family. If you already have one, find new ways to keep that routine fresh.
Additionally, we prayed in the collect for last Sunday that we would hear Jesus’ voice as He calls us each by name. Spend time in prayer this week and ask Him to help you hear His voice as you engage Him in His Word. In light of Good Shepherd Sunday, Psalm 23 would be a great passage to explore. I shared an exercise on our website that may assist you in hearing His voice through prayerfully engaging Scripture.
Rest this week in the joy of knowing the Good Shepherd of your soul! Engage Him and discover Him to be just that in your life as you continue to live into the joy of Easter. May you grow in hearing His voice and following His lead daily.
We just crossed the halfway mark in our Easter celebration this week on Sunday, traditionally known as Good Shepherd Sunday. The readings focus upon this descriptor of our Lord and the our call to faithfully follow Him. With this image comes the reminder that when we do so, we find Jesus to be our protector, guide, and caregiver among the many other roles He provides for our lives. As you keep the celebration of Easter going, I would encourager you to explore that theme this week.
If you have children in your home, you might want to do a craft around this idea. A few ideas can be found here and here. As you work on one together, explore the meaning too. You might discuss what the role of a shepherd entails and how it translates to calling Jesus the Good Shepherd. Perhaps you might explore what it means to be sheep and how we, as His sheep, are to follow Jesus. Discuss ideas of daily routines that could assist you toward that end.
Historically, the Church called such routines a Rule of Life. It is likened to a dowel that a plant is loosely tied to in order to help it grow upright and to prevent it from bring knocked over. In the same way, a Rule of Life is a guideline in our lives to assist us in growing in the likeness of Jesus and not being knocked over by the events that can distract us or take us off course. This routine may include daily morning and evening prayer (found here) and Scripture reading in addition to Sunday worship. Create a routine in your life individually and as a family. If you already have one, find new ways to keep that routine fresh.
Additionally, we prayed in the collect for last Sunday that we would hear Jesus’ voice as He calls us each by name. Spend time in prayer this week and ask Him to help you hear His voice as you engage Him in His Word. In light of Good Shepherd Sunday, Psalm 23 would be a great passage to explore. I shared an exercise on our website that may assist you in hearing His voice through prayerfully engaging Scripture.
Rest this week in the joy of knowing the Good Shepherd of your soul! Engage Him and discover Him to be just that in your life as you continue to live into the joy of Easter. May you grow in hearing His voice and following His lead daily.
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