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Dear Lord
I thank you for this gift of being a shepherd for your people. When they cry, let me share their tears. When they laugh, let me celebrate. When they are broken, let me re-member them. When they pray, let me echo their prayers. When they need to be heard, let me listen. When they are being tried, let me encourage them. When they are lost, send me to find them. When they are victorious, let me lead the rejoicing. When they are imprisoned, let me unlock the door. When they are blind, let me open their eyes. When they feel unloved, let me remind them of Your love. When they are wounded, let me bring them to your healing. When they sin, lead me to help them repent. When they are searching for You, let me point the way. When they are suffering, give me the strength to sit with them. O Lord, give me the heart of Christ, the hands of the Spirit and the power of the Word to guide these people.  Amen.