PRAYING

. . . for lost sheep!

What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? (Luke 15:4)

Savior, some of us work near lost sheep daily. They live around us. No one provides for their spiritual care. They have lived so long without You they don’t see the danger of not having You as a Shepherd. We have grown so accustomed to their lost condition, we no longer witness to them. We accept their condition as permanent. We want no argument with them. Perhaps we don’t contemplate their eternal destiny because we want to liberate ourselves from any obligation to them. But we can’t. You order the boundaries of our lives. You planted them next to us. We are their missionaries. We have not witnessed to them because we have not allowed You to deeply love them through us. We have kept our distance. They are lost; we are saved. They have habits we deplore. We are holy. They frequent places we don’t go. We hear You saying we can no longer be distant. We must build a bridge of love and care. Such care will never come by our own power, only by prayer. Show us the ones for whom You want us to pray. As we pray, care for them through us. Show us creative ways to care. Make us attentive. Broaden our smile. Deepen our sensitivity. Love through us. May we not miss the chance to share. To simply say your name. To lead them to You. Pray for them. Care. And when the door of their heart is open, to share with them. Yes, Lord, I will. Amen.