A prayer for Sunday - the Good Shepherd

Christians are urged to come together this evening at 7pm and pray for all those battling Coronavirus and dealing with its impact on society.

Rt Rev Colin Sinclair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: "Sunday at 7pm has become increasingly a valued time for Christians as they pause to pray, conscious that many others will be sharing the same prayer at the same time.

"It helps create a sense of community when we are isolated through lockdown."

Jesus said: ‘I am the good shepherd' and so we pray:

Good Shepherd, watch over us today In all we face and experience.

Never leave us or forsake us and journey with us always.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Good Shepherd, you know us as no-one else knows us.

Guard us and keep us,

As you guard and keep those whom we love. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Good Shepherd, we pray for the sick and the lonely;

For the anxious and the bereaved; for those whose pain is beyond our comprehension.

We stand with them and commend them to your care. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Good Shepherd, we pray for the carers in hospitals and in homes and for all who serve the needs of others.

May the example of living compassion Inspire us in our care for others. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Good Shepherd, you know the depths of our heart and the fears which are ours.

Speak into the depths of our heart and calm our fears.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Good Shepherd, you know us by our name and our identity is not hidden from you.

Gather us to yourself as a shepherd gathers the sheep, that we might know your Name.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Amen.