And I will give you shepherds

after My own heart,

who will feed you

with knowledge

     and understanding.

            Jeremiah 3. 15

(Placing ourselves

in the company

of the faithful shepherds

    in our lives

can deepen and change

    our journey on earth

and our relationship

              with God.

Seek them out

     with intention,

listen, learn, absorb.

Mark those who are faithful

and watch how

they live out the gospel

  in every dimension.

And realize that

God has made each of us,

in turn,

   as shepherds for others,

even the most unlikely

      in unexpected places,

pointing them

and loving them to Jesus.)

O LORD,

Make us aware

of the shepherds

           in our lives,

those who live

   faithfully before You,

those who can feed us

   and nurture

   wisdom and knowledge

   and understanding

and point us fully to You.

Help us also be aware

  of those You have placed

             in our care.

Help us to love them

  into Your kingdom.