Shepherd and Overseer of our souls

Lord Jesus, you bore our sins in your body on the cross. We did not carry them there. You did. Today, as we gather with your people, we thank you that the wounds you took have become our healing.

We confess that we were like sheep going astray. Some of us wandered far and some of us wandered quietly, but none of us stayed. You came after us. You brought us back. You are the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls, and we are glad to be under your eye.

Teach us your steps. When we are insulted, keep our mouths shut. When we suffer, stop our hands from making threats. Help us to entrust ourselves, and every wrong done to us, to the Father who judges justly, so that we do not need to settle accounts ourselves.

We pray for those in authority over us, in government, at work, in the church. Give us grace to honour without worshipping and to obey without compromising. Fear of you first, then honour to all. In your name we pray. Amen.