The Shepherd’s Spirit and Sustaining Bread

ALMIGHTY! fill us with Thy Spirit, as Thou didst fill the men of old. They saw Thee in all the relations of life; then God was all in all. They looked on the flock and on the tender green pasture, and saw Thee; they said, "God is my Shepherd." Let their spirit be ours. Lord, we give Thee thanks for our daily bread. When we are faint and weary, how marvellously the daily bread renews our strength, brings back our courage, and makes us hopeful again! If Thou wilt give Thy spiritual bread, if to our weary souls Thou wilt give the promise of Life Eternal, what comfort and renewal of strength we shall feel!

O Shepherd of the sheep! Who didst promise to carry the lambs in Thy arms, and to lead us by the still waters, help us all to know the peace which passeth understanding. Give us to drink that heavenly draught which is life, the calm patience which is content to bear what God giveth. Let Thy gentle Spirit be ours. Let Thy gentleness make us great. Show us Thy Son, and, abiding in Him, may we abide in Thee.

Have mercy upon us, and hear our prayers. Lead us gently when we pass through the valley of the shadow of death. Guide us, till at last, in the assembly of Thy saints, we may find rest for evermore.—AMEN