Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us

Sunset in the Carolinas

Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus! Thou has bought us, thine we are. (from hymn "Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us")

The sun is setting here in the beautiful upstate of South Carolina as I'm writing our weekly prayer post. The sky is a palette of colors: Pink wisps blend with the fading crimson and brush across the pale blue and white cloud-laced sky. During this peaceful time, hymns often flow through my mind. Have you ever thought of hymns as prayers? 

The song running through my mind this evening encompasses petition and praise and recognizes Jesus’ sovereignty in our lives:

Savior, like a shepherd lead us,

much we need thy tender care;

in thy pleasant pastures feed us,

for our use thy folds prepare.

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!

Thou hast bought us, thine we are. 

Jesus bought us with His blood. We are His! What a powerful thought. We have the assurance He’ll lead us and provide for our needs. 

If you’re feeling discouraged today and have a copy of a hymnal, flip through it and read (or sing) a hymn aloud. The cathartic moments of worship will lead you to praising the God who is Holy and worthy, despite the storm you’re traveling through. 

And the neat thing is God wired us in such a way that when we hear or sing a song, it plays over and over in our minds, sometimes all day. What an incredible way to worship Him and be reassured of His provisions!

If you have a prayer need, I’d love to hear from you. Share your request in the comments section or email me confidentially. Please take a moment to pray for others’ requests while you’re here. So many people are suffering with diseases, housing, employment, and mental health issues. 

Our prayer list for today includes several battling cancer. Please pray for comfort, healing, and strength. While you’re at it, pray for their families, as well.

·       Courtney, young mother with cancerous brain tumor

·       Emily, 12-year-old with bone cancer. Her body has responded well to the initial phase of treatment.  She still has a long road ahead.

·       Sally, who continues a 12-year battle against breast cancer

·       Lori, my cousin’s wife, with metastatic cancer

·       TC’s father-in-law, not doing well

·       Barbara Stack, my nephew’s mother, has been diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. Pray for wisdom for her and her doctors as they make treatment decisions.

Other requests:

·       Prayers go out to those in the path of Hurricane Isaac.

·       Tony is battling depression after the death of his father and other stressors this year.

·       Also, lift up our military returning home injured and facing challenges. One soldier in particular, Sgt. Jesse McCart, is rehabbing in a Texas hospital but will be released to outpatient status within the next couple of weeks. His updates, photos, and contact info are listed on a separate page above. Mail and encouragement is so important to our servicemen and women who are rehabbing. Other soldiers in the same hospital are listed who could use encouragement, as well. Pre-paid stamped postcards obtained at the post office are a great way to do this regularly.

Sing to the LORD, praise his name;

Proclaim his salvation day after day,

Declare his glory among the nations,

His marvelous deeds among all peoples.

For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise.

Psalm 96:2-4a

Our worship song is "How Great Thou Art!" sung by Carrie Underwood with Vince Gill. 

 

God bless,

Laura

 © Laura Hodges Poole