9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.
They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to
steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to
the full. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for
the sheep. (John 10:9-11 NIV)
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your Son, our good
shepherd – who protects our goings out and in, who came to bring us a life of
abundance – excessive, overflowing, surplus, over and above, more than enough, extraordinary,
and more than sufficient life! Thank you that Jesus laid down his life for us,
bought us and redeemed us with his blood. We ask for forgiveness of our sins,
sins against you and each other – sins where we have complained about what was
wrong, instead of praising you for all that is right.
We pray for our nation, for the people of this land, to
recognize and follow the good shepherd’s voice. We pray for each and every
heart to turn to you God. We pray for the leaders of our country, to seek you
and your will for their lives and for our country. We pray for people to
recognize the thief and to turn away from him and receive the peace your good
shepherd brings.
We pray for boldness for your children, to share your
message with the lost and hurting – so that all would know the fullness of
life that your gift of salvation brings. We thank you God for all you have done for this nation and we pray for
your continued favor, blessings, mercy and grace upon us all; in your son Jesus’
name we pray ~ AMEN!
