The Week of Hope
You are our living hope, Lord, as we celebrate your promises for our present and our future on your birthday. We are your grateful people. Amen
Weekly Advent Prayers by Betty Claire Jackson
By Betty Claire Jackson
Isaiah 40:11
“He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers his lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those who have young.” Isaiah 40:11
Let’s look at those words – flock, shepherd, gathers, carries, leads, close to his heart, gently, and even those who have young. Do you see the word picture Isaiah has painted for us? Can’t you just close your eyes and see Him gathering you in as He leads you?
O, Father, like a shepherd, you gently and mercifully lead your flock, your lambs, through this earthly journey. In your care for us, you show us how to care for the little ones you place in our life. How often we would look back on the many trips you have taken beside us and how you have forgiven us for the times we wandered off and then encouraged and nudged us to get back on the trail. You never leave our side, even going before us as you take your rod and your staff and carefully use whichever end we need.
Sometimes we can feel ourselves being carried in your arms as we listen for the beat of your heart. Sometimes you have to push and pull us to even get us in your arms, but you are always there. You have always known that we, like the sheep that we are, would stray, but you hold on to us like a tether pulling us back with a gentle pull or maybe a tug. You have not left us to our own devices. You have tended to us like a faithful shepherd. Your birth within us is the miracle that did it all. Thank you, Father, as we celebrate your son’s birth, we also celebrate his life, his grace, his faithfulness, and his love and forgiveness.
Your Grateful Sheep,
Betty Claire Jackson