20 Days of Prayer Day 6 “Jesus Is Our Good, Good Shepherd”

Today, probably for the first time in the history of America, every church, synagogue, and temple is closed across our entire Nation. This was not accomplished by an oppressive regime that hates religion, as so many other nations have experienced, but by a microorganism so small 500 million could fit on the head of a pin. If I had told you 2 months ago that this would be the new reality in America, you would have called me crazy. But that is life. We live our lives doing the same thing, week after week, perhaps for decades when suddenly — pow! — change happens. We are surprised and shaken. And then we remember — we are not in control. None of this pandemic surprised God, because Jesus is our good, good shepherd.

John Van Wagoner

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me . . . and I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10: 14 – 15).

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I have everything I need. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me . . . Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23: 1 – 4, 6).

Let’s thank Him for His goodness and love. Let us pray —

Lord, we, your sheep, rejoice that we are a part of your flock. We confess that we are fearful creatures when threatened by this coronavirus; forgive us for our lack of faith. We do celebrate that you are our shepherd, and we claim your protection and comfort during these days of uncertainty. Amen

Marge