The Good Shepherd, 3rd Century Roman Catacombs
God of peace,
who has restored us to each other,
and made the two one:
You who set kings upon thrones,
who raise the poor out of the dust,
and lift up the beggar from the dung hill.
You who chose David and took him away from the sheepfold,
though he was the least and the youngest of the sons of Jesse.
You who gave the word to those who preach the gospel
with great power for the perfection of the gospel.
Hold me by my right hand,
guide me with your counsel,
and receive me with glory.
You who are a shepherd to the shepherds and a guide to the guides,
help us to feed your flock with knowledge,
not with the instruments of a foolish shepherd.
Help us to serve according to the blessing,
and not according to the curse
pronounced against the men of former days.
Give strength and power to your people.
Present your flock dazzling and spotless, worthy of the fold on high,
in the place of rejoicing and in the splendor of the saints.
Do this so that in your temple everyone,
both flock and shepherds, together may say:
Glory in Christ Jesus our Lord,
to whom be all glory forever and ever!
Amen.
Gregory Nazianzen, 329-389, Archbishop of Constantinople
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So I exhort the elders among you,
as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ,
as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:
shepherd the flock of God that is among you,
exercising oversight, not under compulsion,
but willingly, as God would have you;
not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
not domineering over those in your charge,
but being examples to the flock.
And when the chief Shepherd appears,
you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
prayer & verse 
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