Psalm 23 prayer of praise and confession

Lord, you are our shepherd.
    We have everything we need.
You give us rest in green pastures.
    You lead us to calm water.
 You give us new strength.

For the good of your name,
    You lead us on paths that are right.
Even if we walk
    through the darkest, prickliest, most overgrown valley,
We will not be afraid
    because you are with us.
Your rod and your shepherd’s staff comfort us.

Even when we forget you

Even when we wander off and go our own way

Even when we don’t act like people who know and love you

Even if we did these things intentionally

Even then you would still be our shepherd

You always watch over us

You never give up on us

 No, instead you prepare a meal for us
    in front of our enemies.
You pour oil of blessing on our heads.
    You give us more than we can hold.
Surely your goodness and love will be with us
    all the days of our lives.
And we will live in the house of the Lord forever.

Amen

(Heavily borrowing from Psalm 23)

Shepherd call to worship

Come, all you people who know the beautiful and familiar voice of the shepherd,

The voice of the one who knows us, loves us and wants the best for us -

The voice of coming home.

Come, all you who don’t yet know the shepherd’s voice,

but are intrigued by what it might sound like.

Come, whoever you are.

We set aside this time and this space

To draw near and listen.

Show us, loving God, what is it you want us to understand about you today.

Show us, loving God, what is it you want us to understand about ourselves today.

Your people are gathered in your presence.

Amen