A PRAYER FOR FOURTH ADVENT (OT)

(Dedicated to our Choir leader, Jeni)

Micah 5:1-6 (NRSV)

. 2But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. 3Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. 4And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; 5and he shall be the one of peace. If the Assyrians come into our land and tread upon our soil, we will raise against them seven shepherds and eight installed as rulers.

Come, Shepherd Jesus, come

Save us from the wolf at the door

 and the beasts within ourselves

Gather us up in pastures where we can find rest

and beside waters that nourish and refresh

Remind us "to be still, and know that I am here."

Come, Shepherd Jesus, come

Come and renew our strength

For we are weary

drained of energy and focus

Lift our burdens upon your shoulders

Renew our focus by your guidance

Carry us in your arms

Come, Shepherd Jesus, come

Come and bring us peace

For we have been at war with others

and with ourselves

Still the storms that rage within

Heal the wounded between ourselves

and those we love and who love us

Come, Shepherd Jesus, come

Lead us home, O gentle shepherd

guide us through the wilderness

to a place we know and need

Lead us home, O gentle shepherd

where we can sit and play and rest

beside the fireplace and the hearth

Lead us home, O gentle shepherd

so that are hearts can be fed

by love and family

grace and peace

Come, Shepherd Jesus, come

Lead us home

Amen