A Collect to Follow the Shepherd

Shepherd of souls, who leads and nurtures your flock with care, help us to be content with the guidance and provision you offer, that we would not stray from your care, but follow you through both deadly valleys and green pastures, trusting that you are leading us to the house of the Lord, through Jesus Christ, who is the gate to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen. ‘ The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff– they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long.’ – Psalm 23