Before I started working at ReFrame Ministries, I served as a chaplain at a residential facility for kids. Many of the children were wards of the state, meaning that they were in government care because—for one reason or another—their own families couldn't take care of them. Some of the kids were waiting for foster care, while others had no idea how long they were going to have to stay or what was next. Many of the kids were hearing about God’s love, learning how to pray, and hearing Bible stories for the first time. Although my time serving at the residential facility was years ago, the memories remain vivid. That chapter of my life left a deep impact on me, especially because I had the privilege of offering spiritual care to kids whose short lives had been deeply impacted by so much trauma and loss. They were curious and asked thoughtful, honest questions about Someone Bigger out there who cared for them. 

The Good Shepherd

One Sunday, I was sharing the story of the Good Shepherd from John 10:11-18. I explained to the kids that the shepherds in Jesus' time were caretakers and protectors of the sheep. They would stay with their sheep day and night, lead them to food and water, and defend them from danger. A good shepherd wouldn't run away when things got tough; he would defend the sheep with his life. After I finished telling the story, a 10-year-old boy, who had been waiting a long time for a foster family, said something I will never forget: “Even if I don't have a dad right now, I can see that God cares for me like I am his own kid—just like the shepherd cares for his own sheep—Jesus cares for me. He is my protector!” This young man led our prayer time, addressing God as the Good Shepherd. 

God knows my name

Moments like that happened often. Kids would hear from God’s Word, and it would become more than just a story; they would connect personally with the truths they heard and put themselves into the story. They would discover God’s unconditional love and acceptance. God, the Good Shepherd, had always been there, calling them by name. 

Praying Psalm 23

The familiar words of Psalm 23 help us understand the background of the good shepherd that Jesus describes in John 10. These passages assure us that we have a Good Shepherd who is always with us, even when we feel worn out, anxious, uncertain, or alone. Below is a suggested outline that uses the framework of each individual verse from Psalm 23. Feel free to copy this or use the verses to make your own prayer. 

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

Dear Good Shepherd, I trust you. I see how you have provided for me. (Make a list of things God has provided. Or, maybe, what are some things you may still be waiting on?) You have met my needs; you give me constant care, guidance, and protection. Help me see where you give me not just what I need but what I want too.  

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

Good Shepherd, I am carrying a lot of worries. (Make a list here.) Remind me that you are with me. Give me the wisdom to reach out when I need it. Quiet the noise in my head, and lead me to stillness and peace.

He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Good Shepherd, you are with me and leading me. (List any ways that you need God’s leading today.) I ask for wisdom and refreshment. My soul and my body are weary and worn. Bring me healing and renewal because I am drained and broken. Thank you, gentle shepherd, for leading me with righteousness and purpose.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

Good Shepherd, I ask for courage. (Make a list of where you need to be courageous.) Sometimes my emotions feel too big to explain, but I trust you hear me. When death, disease, and fear close in, remind me that I am safe in your care. As a shepherd uses the rod and staff to protect and guide the flock, your rod guides me and your staff pulls me to safety. Remind me that nothing can separate me from your love. You don't promise an easy life, but you do promise that you are with me. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (In the ancient world, shepherds would anoint sheep with oil to protect them from biting insects and help soothe wounds.)

Good Shepherd, even in the hard places, you continue to provide for me. Your grace spills over the edges, and my cup overflows. (Make a list of all the ways God has provided generously.) I pray for peace and wisdom in tricky, complicated, and estranged relationships. (Where do you experience this?) Thank you for the many ways you protect me and heal me. Give me patience and hope as I wait for restoration and healing.  

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Good Shepherd, thank you for your goodness and faithfulness today and for the promise that you will be with me tomorrow. You chase after me with mercy even when I am stumbling through the dark. Your mercy runs faster than my shame. (List ways you have seen God’s leading in accomplishments, gifts, and beautiful things that you can celebrate.) You keep pursuing me, Lord; teach me how to pursue you with the same energy, faithfulness, and focus.  

Psalm 23 guides your prayer 

If you are in a season of uncertainty, loneliness, or grief, may you remember that the Good Shepherd calls you by name and is walking with you. How would you write a prayer based on Psalm 23?

More about the Good Shepherd and Psalm 23

I AM the Good Shepherd, a Bible study podcast from Groundwork. Religious art often depicts Jesus holding a little lamb and surrounded by children. It's a picture that Jesus himself gave us in John 10: The picture of himself as a shepherd, a good shepherd. But what is Jesus telling us about himself with this picture?

The Shepherd Still Leads Us, a 31-day devotional series from Today. These devotions explore what it means for us that the Lord is our shepherd and that we are his sheep.

May we pray for you? Share a prayer request with us here. We invite you to check out our free ebook, “How Do I Pray?” We also encourage you to explore the prayer resources on our website.