These ideas are designed to be starting points for the prayers of a particular community of faith.

Joe Milner

For the Church: that we may distinguish the voice of the Good Shepherd from all the other messages that we hear and faithfully respond to all Christ’s invitations

For a spirit of openness: that we may allow the saving work of Jesus to heal and bring us to wholeness so that the power of the resurrection may be manifest to all the human family

For Pope Francis: that God will give him strength, help him model the dedication of the Good Shepherd, and be a good example for all church leaders

For bishops, priests, and all who minister in the Church: that they may draw strength and inspiration from the Good Shepherd, model in word and deed Christ’s dedication to the children of God, and serve their communities with the heart of the Good Shepherd

For all who are laying down their lives in caring for sick children, the developmentally disabled, the elderly, or terminally ill: that God will renew them and fill them with energy and love

For all who are searching: that the Good Shepherd will find them and lead them to a fuller life with purpose and a sense of belonging

For greater stewardship of the earth: that God will inspire us to care for God’s creation and ensure that it benefits all of God’s children

For all who are preparing for Confirmation this spring: that they will be open to the gifts that the Holy Spirit offers them and that they will enrich the church with their talents and energy

For all run-away teens: that the Good Shepherd will care for them and lead them to a place of safety and healing

For all who are burdened by debt in the third world: that the Good Shepherd will touch hearts and open our understanding toward the longings and hopes of all who struggle with poverty

For all who have neglected their responsibilities as pastoral leaders: that the Good Shepherd will heal those who have been injured and transform these leaders into true shepherds to God’s people

For all discerning their life calling: that young people may listen carefully to God’s invitations and courageously respond to God with trusting faith and generous love

For children in dangerous situations: that God will protect the children at the border, those who live in areas of warfare and violence, or whose home life is unsafe from harm and injury

For leaders of nations: that God will give them a heart like the Good Shepherd, compassion toward those who are suffering, and wisdom to develop policies that advance the common good

For an end to violence: that the Good Shepherd will protect all of God’s children from random shootings, domestic violence, hate crimes, and acts of terrorism