He walks ahead of them and the sheep follow him,
because they recognize his voice.
The
shepherd
knows his sheep.
They trust his gentle voice,
and he calls them each by name.
O Christ,
we cry out to you: please shepherd us now.
We long to hear you call our names,
to heed your gentle voice,
to follow you out of
this sick world
to a safe
place.
Walk ahead of us and we will follow.
Let us offer to one another
your abounding life
and love.
THE FIRST READING
Acts 2:14a, 36-41
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you,”
Cut to the heart, they took baptism.
Three thousand followed him,
just as sheep follow
a shepherd.
Dear
Shepherd Lord,
open up our hearts to you.
Let us listen as your Spirit speaks in us.
Bring all your children, near and far, to live in your
love.
THE SECOND READING
1 Peter 2:20b-45
By his wounds you have been healed.
Christ,
we
stray
like
sheep.
And
you,
good
shepherd,
you
gather
us
lost
ones.
We so need your shepherding now.
Let our hearts follow
your
healing.
