• What does a shepherd do for his sheep?


• What kind of person becomes a shepherd?


• Do sheep really need a shepherd?


• How do sheep become part of the flock? (e.g., do they "try out" for the flock?)


• What does it mean to be "in want"?


• Why do sheep trust the shepherd?

Shepherd of my heart, teach me to trust You in every situation. Amen.

• Where do I search for rest and refreshment for my spirit?


• Why do the answers I find in myself or in others fail to satisfy?


• What fears hinder me from trusting the Shepherd?


• What distractions or wandering thoughts keep me from reveling in His presence?


• Why does the Shepherd make me lie down in "green pastures"?

Shepherd of my heart, teach me to put aside impatience and busy-ness and to relax and be joyful in Your presence, for that is where I will find rest. Amen.

• Why does the Shepherd lead, rather than push?


• Am I a stubborn sheep?


• What does my spirit thirst for?


• Do I willingly and eagerly accept the still waters He offers?

Shepherd of my heart, thank you for leading me beside still waters, away from the heaving, rushing current of life. Amen.

• What does it mean to restore (a soul)?


• What restoration do I most need in my life right now?


• Why am I powerless to restore myself?


• Can I be restored against my will?


• When the Shepherd cares well for the sheep, why would the sheep ever need to be restored?


• Is the Shepherd's restoration complete?

Shepherd of my heart, when I am broken and cast down, you rescue, revive, redeem and restore me. Thank you! Amen.

• Why do I try to choose my own path?


• What happens when I pursue another path?


• Where is the Shepherd if I become separated from Him?


• Do I follow the Shepherd or the sheep in front of me?


• Does the Shepherd lose any of His sheep?


• Is the path of righteousness necessarily easy?


• How do I know where the Shepherd desires me to go?


• Where does the path of righteousness lead?

Shepherd of my heart, whatever path You choose for me is the right path. Help me to listen closely for Your voice. Amen.

• The darkest valley is only a pathway to a greener pasture, and not a dead end. Will I lay aside fear, and trust the Shepherd to bring me through?


• I am anxious to put the valley behind me. How can I learn to be patient and not try to get ahead of the Shepherd?


• In the valleys of life do I move closer to the Shepherd?


• How do I recognize that the Shepherd is still with me? Or that I am still with the Shepherd?

Shepherd of my heart, help me to look past the lurking shadows and see only You. Your presence with me in the valley is enough. Amen.

• Am I alert to the nudges of the Shepherd's staff, encouraging me to remain on the path He has chosen for me?


• How has the Shepherd "nudged" me?


• When the Shepherd extends his staff to count the sheep in His fold, will I be among that number?

Shepherd of my heart, thank you for your presence and protective care. You know my every difficulty. Bring me close to You. Amen.

• What does the table represent to me?


• Why does the Shepherd prepare the table?


• What are my "enemies"?


• Why might the "enemies" be present?


• How do I fellowship with the Shepherd?

Shepherd of my heart, You bring me to the top of the mountain, where you have secured my safety. How I delight in fellowship with You. Amen.