Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.
Jeremiah 3:15 (NIV)
Father, on this Friday as I end this workweek and prepare for the weekend, my heart and soul looks with anticipation on the Sabbath, where I shall not only find rest, but more importantly hear from You. Indeed, You know it is the highlight of my weekend to sit at Your feet and feast on the Word as delivered by Your man or woman of God, learning of You and seeing myself from Your perspective as declared by Your Word.
I thank You today for those called individuals whom You have placed in my life who act as shepherds for my soul. I know how stubborn and callous I can be, set in my ways. It amazes me how You can use them to break through and shine lights on my secret places, illuminating aspects of my brokenness that I sometimes don’t even see myself. Through them I learn so much about Who You are and Your will from my life. Through their prayers and love for me I am able to experience breakthroughs by the power of the Spirit. And they continually remind me that I am loved by You and that You are with me even when I feel most alone. No. Especially when I feel alone. My life is better because they are in it. You so know what You are doing!
I pray for them, Father. I pray that You would give them a hundredfold of what they are giving to me and those they minister to. I pray You would continue to provide for their needs so that they can focus their attention on attending to Your people. Send them individuals who will minister to them and pray for them even as they do so for Your flock. See their heart’s longings and desires, sorting through them, and fulfill that which brings You the most glory and them the most peace. Use them to reach the outcast, the discouraged, and the weary, while at the same time holding them close to You. Forgive them where they have gone astray. Restore them where they have fallen short. Protect them where they are vulnerable. Cover them, LORD, with the blood of Jesus, and shield them from the wiles of the enemy. And as they lift up the Name of Jesus, shine Your light on Him through them, that the world might see my Savior in them and give Him the praise due His Name to Your glory.
Thank You, Father, for sending them my way, a tangible example of what it means to follow after Christ. Lead me through them and I will follow (1 Corinthians 11:1), in Jesus’ Name. Amen.