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T h e S h e p h e r d
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Bible reading : John 10: 1-10 The Shepherd and his Flock A visual experience of 'The Shepherd' A MEDITATION - the Shepherd's voice (click on the triangle arrowhead) Now settle down, maybe close your eyes, listen and imagine..... _____________________________ When you are ready, come back into 'the present' and sing this lovely song. Take a moment to reflect on what helps you to hear the shepherd’s voice and truly believe that God knows you and your needs even better than you know yourself and (in the words of this next song) will keep you safe in these troubled days. God will make a way Reflection Fullness of life in lockdown living You may like to use a notebook for these reflections, or a diary if you keep one – it will be interesting to look back on these historic times from the future… Spend a few moments identifying the three aspects of the lock-down that you find most difficult. The more clearly we can put our finger on what is troubling us, the easier it makes it to “give it to God” and work together to make a way through it. Is there another “sheep” with whom you could make an opportunity this week to share your responses, so that you can pray for one another? Can you now identify three ways in which you have found “abundance of life” in the lock-down? Will you be able to continue to find these things when we return to normal times? Will you WANT to continue to find them? Now, on a community, national, even a world scale, what positive changes in value, or other good things have emerged during the lock-down period? How can we help to preserve these things when we return to normal? We’re usually busy individuals in a busy church with a number of outward-facing life-enhancing activities - that we can no longer carry out. So within our current restrictions, what can we be offering to help others to find fullness of life at this time? Now a song we use a lot at Wellspring - probably because it has deep meaning and resonance for us, especially today.... The Lord's my shepherd, I'll not want A prayer of thanks Thank you, Jesus, for abundant life; thank you for your generous love. Help me to love generously that others may also experience the abundance of your life. Amen. A prayer for others (using the words of an Iona chant available with the other songs) Loving God, we pray for those who are struggling at this time: for those who feel their lives are empty; for all who feel alone or unloved; for those who feel their lives lack, or have recently lost, purpose. Come to me... We pray for those whose lives are filled with anger and bitterness; for those who cannot let go of the past - and those who have little present or future hope in their lives. Come to me... We pray for those whose lives are filled with anguish and pain; for those working on the front line, who face risks daily; for those who cannot see a way forward. Come to me... We pray for those who live on the edge; for those who watch others enjoy life but are unable to join in; for those who lack faith; and for those whom others ignore. Come to me... Loving God, in a world that needs a message of life and hope, may your abundant life fill our world, our church and ourselves - in the name of Jesus. Amen |
S O N G W O R D S God will make a way God will make a way Where there seems to be no way He works in ways we cannot see He will make a way for me He will be my guide Hold me closely to His side With love and strength for each new day He will make a way He will make a way. REPEAT By a roadway in the wilderness, he'll lead me Rivers in the desert will I see. Heaven and earth will fade But His Word will still remain He will do something new today. God will make a way Where there seems to be no way He works in ways we cannot see He will make a way for me He will be my guide Hold me closely to His side With love and strength for each new day He will make a way He will make a way. With love and strength for each new day He will make a way He will make a way. The Lord’s my shepherd The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want; He makes me lie in pastures green. He leads me by the still, still waters, His goodness restores my soul. And I will trust in You alone, And I will trust in You alone, For Your endless mercy follows me, Your goodness will lead me home. He guides my ways in righteousness, And He anoints my head with oil, And my cup, it overflows with joy, I feast on His pure delights. And I will trust in You alone.... And though I walk the darkest path, I will not fear the evil one, For You are with me, and Your rod and staff Are the comfort I need to know. And I will trust in You alone....(x2) Come to me (from the Iona Community) Come to me, come to me weak and heavy-laden. Trust in me, lean on me I will give you rest. (Click below to listen to the words sung by members of the Wild Goose Worship Group) |
A Blessing
May the God who shakes heaven and earth, whom death could not contain, who lives to disturb and heal us, bless us with power to go forth and proclaim the gospel.
Amen.
(Janet Morley, used with permission)
May the God who shakes heaven and earth, whom death could not contain, who lives to disturb and heal us, bless us with power to go forth and proclaim the gospel.
Amen.
(Janet Morley, used with permission)