Praying tonight for Pope Leo, Lord…
I pray you’ll give him
a shepherd’s heart,
a lion’s courage,
a prophet’s voice,
a mystic’s vision,
an elder’s wisdom,
and a poet’s soul…
Give him, Lord,
a discerning mind,
a prudent perspective,
a determined energy,
a gentle demeanor,
a genuine warmth
and a merciful spirit…
Give him a heart
for the work of justice, the making of peace;
for preserving the earth, our common home;
for victims of prejudice, war and abuse;
for the hungry, abandoned poor of the world;
for those who are seeking asylum and refuge’
for the healing of wounds in body and souls…
Give him a love for you, O Lord,
for you and your truth,
for all people of faith,
for your gospel’s good news,
for the mercy you offer
and your Spirit’s holy, mysterious ways…
Protect the pope, Lord, while he’s awake
and watch over him as he sleeps
that awake he keep the watch with you
and asleep find rest in your peace…
Heart of a Shepherd
If you love me, feed my lambs:
be my heart, my voice, my hands;
if you love me feed my sheep
and for my part I give you the heart
of a shepherd.
Lord, you are my shepherd;
there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures
where you give me repose.
Near restful waters you lead me,
to revive my drooping spirit.
You guide me along the right path;
You are true to your name.
If I should walk in the valley of darkness
no evil would I fear.
You are there with your crook and your staff;
with these you give me comfort.
You have prepared a banquet for me
in the sight of my foes.
My head you have anointed with oil,
my cup is overflowing.
Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me
all the days of my life.
In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell
forever and ever.
