The Sheep of Jesus, Agen Cathedral France, via wikimedia commons
O Lord, save your people,
and give your blessing
unto your inheritance,
which you have purchased
with the precious blood of your Christ.
Shepherd them under your right hand,
and cover them under your wings,
and grant unto them to fight the good fight,
and to finish the course,
and to keep the faith,
immutably,
blamelessly,
and guiltlessly,
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
your beloved Son,
with whom to you,
and to the Holy Spirit,
be glory, honour and worship for ever.
Apostolic Constitutions, 4th Century
Seasons of Devotion slightly modified
________________________
Now may the God of peace—
who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
may he equip you with all you need
for doing his will.
May he produce in you,
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.
prayer & verse 