The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26). Christos=anointed, M’siha, Messiah, filled with grace. Jn 14:9: If you have seen me, you have seen the Father. In the seven I AM statements, Jesus reveals his face and his function. As Christians, we are called to emulate those seven functions.
1) Lord Jesus, you said, “I am the bread of life.” Your nature is to provide and sustain life as you did for crowds on Galilean hillsides. I pray for you to meet our needs today.
2) You said, “I am the light of the world.” It is your very nature to dispel darkness. Please light the path ahead of us and shine your light on us.
3) You said, “I am the door of the sheep.” You protect and shelter those who depend on you. Let nothing come our way that you have not approved.
4) You said, “I am the good shepherd.” Your nature is to care and lead and guide. Please do that for us today.
5) You said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” You banish sadness and impart vitality and abundance. Please resurrect our hopes and enliven us today.
6) You said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Your very nature is to drive away confusion, distraction, error, doubt and death. Please banish those things from our hearts, minds and spirits today.
7) You said, *“I am the true vine.”*You impart your divine beauty, grace and vitality to all those who abide in you. Help us to abide in you today and infuse us with your nature.
Faithful Shepherd, you are not a hireling who runs away at the sight of danger, but your fidelity as the way, the truth and life was tested and proven on the wood of the Cross. Accept the gift of our gratitude for being our light in our darkness and bread in our hunger. Help us to hear the way you are and follow your voice of truth and life.
Watchful Shepherd, who protects the flock and searches tirelessly for those who wander from the fold, retrieve the lost and bring them home. Tend and heal their wounds.
Good Shepherd, who lays down his life for his sheep, nourish your people with the Bread of Life, that we may reflect Your likeness and enjoy the spring of Living Water that never ends.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
1) Lord Jesus, you said, “I am the bread of life.” Your nature is to provide and sustain life as you did for crowds on Galilean hillsides. I pray for you to meet our needs today.
2) You said, “I am the light of the world.” It is your very nature to dispel darkness. Please light the path ahead of us and shine your light on us.
3) You said, “I am the door of the sheep.” You protect and shelter those who depend on you. Let nothing come our way that you have not approved.
4) You said, “I am the good shepherd.” Your nature is to care and lead and guide. Please do that for us today.
5) You said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” You banish sadness and impart vitality and abundance. Please resurrect our hopes and enliven us today.
6) You said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Your very nature is to drive away confusion, distraction, error, doubt and death. Please banish those things from our hearts, minds and spirits today.
7) You said, *“I am the true vine.”*You impart your divine beauty, grace and vitality to all those who abide in you. Help us to abide in you today and infuse us with your nature.
Faithful Shepherd, you are not a hireling who runs away at the sight of danger, but your fidelity as the way, the truth and life was tested and proven on the wood of the Cross. Accept the gift of our gratitude for being our light in our darkness and bread in our hunger. Help us to hear the way you are and follow your voice of truth and life.
Watchful Shepherd, who protects the flock and searches tirelessly for those who wander from the fold, retrieve the lost and bring them home. Tend and heal their wounds.
Good Shepherd, who lays down his life for his sheep, nourish your people with the Bread of Life, that we may reflect Your likeness and enjoy the spring of Living Water that never ends.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
