Prayers for those who face an uncertain future � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

The Right Paths

Six ducks waddled up the hill into the woods behind our home in the Lake District� Moments later, a ruckus of squawking and quacking brought five ducks scrambling back down the hill. They’d met a hungry fox. To my amazement, just a few hours later I saw the five ducks waddling back up that hill� Dashing outside, I rounded them up and led them to safety�

Psalm 23 shows that we have a similar relationship with God; He is our Shepherd and we are His sheep� Sheep, like ducks, are not famous for their wisdom or clear sense of direction. As with them, left to ourselves, we are prone to wander to places that seem good to us, but may actually hold hungry foxes�

The psalmist writes that the Good Shepherd always “guides me along the right paths” (Psalm 23:3)� As we listen to His voice and follow where He leads, He provides our souls with good, nourishing refreshment (v� 3)� Even when He takes us “through the darkest valley”, His presence is the comfort and reassurance we need (v� 4)�

Ducks, sheep, people—they all can find it hard to stick to the right paths. Just as I had to steer those ducks, Jesus takes the responsibility to guide us. We don’t have to figure everything out for ourselves; we need only to stay close to our Good Shepherd�

Debbi Fralick

A Prayer of Submitting to the Good Shepherd O Lord, You are my Shepherd and I am Your sheep. I am so grateful that I don’t need to try to figure out the right pasture, fight the roaring lions or try to change the hearts of the other sheep! Forgive me for wandering away from You, for trying to fight my own battles by myself, and for trying to manipulate and control others. I trust You to lead me. I trust You to fight for me. And I trust You to do Your work in the lives of those I love. Thank You Jesus for watching over me. Amen

A Prayer for Wisdom Almighty God, our Father; I am at a crossroads. I do not know which way to turn. I feel enormous pressure to make the right choice so I don’t make a mess of things, but I only have limited wisdom. I can’t see into the future and know how everything will turn out; only You can do that. You have promised that if we need wisdom, we can come to You and ask, fully trusting that You will give us what we need, and You will give it. Give me wisdom, Lord. Help me to know which way to go. I trust that Your sheep hear Your voice and You will guide me. Thank You for never leaving me. Amen

A Prayer Asking God to Lead the Way Gracious Father, our world seems to be unravelling. There is so much instability, uncertainty and fear; and although I know You’re in control, it’s hard not to be anxious for the future. As much as I try to have faith, I find myself worrying time and again. I’m tired of feeling anxious about a future I cannot control. Whatever happens, You are God. You are good and You care for me. You can be trusted to walk before me wherever I go, even through the valleys of life. I choose to have faith in Your goodness, Your faithfulness and Your love for me. I entrust my future to You now and pray You would help me to keep trusting You every day. Amen

5-minute Bible Study Philippians 4:6-9

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God� 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things� 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

1�

What should we do when we are anxious (v. 6)? a. When should we do it? b. How should we do it?

2�

What will be the result (v. 7)? 3�

List the things we should actively think about. Spend a moment thinking about what each one means for you in your walk with Jesus (v. 8).

4�

Why do you think we should think on these things? 5�

List each of the things you learn about peace in this passage�

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You that I do not need to carry the heavy weight of worry and anxiety� Help me to bring everything—large or small—to You in prayer� Help me to choose to set my mind on good things� Thank you for the peace You bring� Amen�

WHERE NEXT? If you have time, read Isaiah 26:3 and 1 Peter 5:7 and write down what you learn about God’s peace. A BIBLE STUDY TAKE-AWAY! Why not see if highlighting all the action words and specific instructions can help you personally apply other passages in the New Testament letters?

HE GUIDES ME ALONG THE right paths FOR HIS name’s sake.

PSALM 23:3