The Good Shepherd: 21st Century Worship Resources for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B

Oh God,
We are so preoccupied with counting sheep that we forget how much we need a shepherd.
We are so occupied with numbers and statistics that we forget to leave the counting to you.
You already know the sum of the hairs on the very heads that you have anointed.
You know our days, our challenges, our successes and our needs.

Today, we confess that our greatest need is for a shepherd.
And the lesson we have yet to learn is how to be your sheep.
Amen.

Call to Worship
(Based on Acts 4:5-12 and John 10:11-18)

Leader: Come let us worship the Lord, our Rock

People: The stone that the builders rejected has become the Cornerstone.

All: Jesus Christ, Cornerstone, Solid Rock!

Leader: Come, let us kneel at the feet of the Good Shepherd.

People: The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep, cares for the sheep, knows each one by name.

All: Good Shepherd, tender of our souls, we worship you today.