Our restorer in the shadow of exhaustion I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full…(John 10:10)

Lenten Intercessory Prayer The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. (Psalm 145:14) Lenten Intercessory Prayer

God of love hear the cry of those who yearn for love; fractured families, broken homes neglected, unwanted, alone. God of love ALL: hear our prayer

God of justice hear the cry of those who yearn for justice; persecuted and oppressed, exploited, ill-treated, broken. God of justice ALL: hear our prayer

God of peace hear the cry of those who yearn for peace; in battle zones and broken states, frightened, fearful, anxious God of peace ALL: hear our prayer

God of healing hear the cry of those who yearn for healing; physical and spiritual hurting, weakened, depressed God of healing ALL: hear our prayer

God of mercy Hear the cry of those who yearn for mercy; convicted, in need of your Grace, contrite, humble, bowed down, God of mercy ALL: hear our prayer

All: I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. Amen… (Psalm 116:1,2)

Our restorer in the shadow of exhaustion I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of (John 10:10 – The Message)

If Jesus is the Gate… He is worth listening to… All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. (John 10:8)

Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem… (John 10:22) Hanukkah thus became a season that asked hard questions about failed leadership and false shepherds. How did the temple leadership lose its way during this Greek period? Where were the shepherds? What must shepherds do today? During the week when Jesus gave his good shepherd sermon, synagogues were reading prophetic critiques of leadership.

If Jesus Is the Gate… He is the one who saves… I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture… (John 10:9)

If Jesus is the Gate…He gives full life… The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full… (John 10:10)

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul… (Psalm 23:2-3)