4th Sunday of Easter | Sunday 8 May 2022

Today is Sunday the 8th of May, beginning the fourth week of Easter.

Paul Zach sings, ‘The Lord is My Shepherd’. As you listen, draw to mind the ways in which Jesus has been a Good Shepherd in your life.

The Lord is my shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
The Lord is my shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
He leads my soul by the still waters
In the green pastures I am restored
Though I may walk through the dark valley
Of the shadow of death
I will not fear for your rod and staff comfort me
The Lord is my shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
The Lord is my shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
Goodness and mercy they will follow me
All of the days all the days of my life
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever and ever
The Lord is my shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
The Lord is my shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
The Lord is my shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
The Lord is my shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
I shall not want
I shall not want


Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.

John 10:27-30

My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.’

Sheep do indeed recognise the voice of the shepherd. The shepherd ensures that they do know his voice in order to guide and protect them. This is the role of the shepherd – to preserve their flock, to ensure their safety and well-being. How does this passage speak to you?

Today is known as Good Shepherd Sunday and is a time to pray for vocations. We believe that we all have a vocation. Earlier in John 10 we are assured that we are all called to live life to the full, filled with God’s grace. Jesus is with us to guard and guide us as we seek out our vocation. Have you experienced the Lord guiding you? How did that feel?

This is a short passage today, but filled with promise and reassurance.

As you listen to the passage again ask the Lord to keep you close. Take time to deepen your relationship so that you can listen to his voice.

As you spend time in prayer on this Sabbath day, share your hopes and dreams with the Lord. Feel his blessing upon you. Let the Lord’s gentle voice speak to your heart.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.