The Prayer
Lord, You know everything.
You know that I love You.
You also know how quickly I reach for control when I become afraid. You know the plans I make, the people I try to protect, the outcomes I try to guarantee, and the things I have difficulty placing into Your hands.
Teach me what You taught Peter.
When my nets are empty, teach me to listen. When I do not recognize You standing on the shore, help me hear Your voice. When You tell me where to cast, give me the courage to obey even when my experience tells me otherwise.
When I remember my failures, remind me that You are not afraid to meet me there. Bring me back to the charcoal fire if that is where I need to go.
Feed me before asking me to feed others. Shepherd me so that I can care for those You place before me without forgetting that they belong to You.
Teach me to strengthen the weak, care for the wounded, seek those who wander, and feed those who are hungry.
When I begin trying to control their lives, remind me:
They are Your sheep.
When I look sideways at someone else’s road, turn me back toward You. When I ask, “What about them?” help me hear:
What is that to you? Follow Me.
I offer You what I have: my work, family, plans, fears, failures, future, and life.
I do not know where every road leads.
You do.
I do not know everything.
You do.
So when I am tempted to take the wheel again, bring me back to Peter’s words:
“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
And give me the grace to follow.
Amen.
References
Scriptural
– John 1:42 — Jesus gives Simon the name Cephas
– John 6:1–14 — The feeding of the multitude
– John 10:1–18 — Jesus, the Good Shepherd
– John 18:15–27 — Peter’s denials beside the charcoal fire
– John 21:1–25 — The miraculous catch, breakfast, restoration, and renewed call
– Genesis 22:1–14 — Abraham’s surrender and God’s provision
– Ezekiel 34 — God’s judgment of false shepherds and promise to shepherd His people
– Psalm 23 — The Lord as Shepherd
– Psalm 141:2 — Prayer rising as incense
– Matthew 16:13–23 — Peter’s confession, commission, and rebuke
– Matthew 26:31–35 — Peter’s promise that he will not deny Jesus
– Luke 5:1–11 — The earlier miraculous catch and Peter’s call
– Luke 22:54–62 — Peter’s denial, Jesus’ look, and Peter’s grief
– Romans 12:1–2 — The living sacrifice and renewal of the mind
– 1 Peter 5:1–4 — Peter’s instruction to shepherd the flock of God
– Revelation 8:3–4 — Incense and the prayers of the saints