Teaching a Child to Pray

This is one of the beautiful pieces of artwork by Jamie that will appear in our upcoming book, Iam The Lamb and the Good Shepherd: A Psalm 23 Book. I’ll admit it, I’m an Audible addict. I listen to books every chance I get. Driving, doing dishes, folding laundry, exercising — everything feels lighter with a good story in my ears. There’s something soothing about letting my mind go on autopilot while being drawn into another world. Honestly, I don’t even mind being stuck in traffic if I’m caught up in a great book. On our recent road trips, my husband and I got completely lost (in the best way) in Charles Martin’s Keeper series — The Water Keeper, The Letter Keeper, The Record Keeper, and The Keeper. Forty-three hours and forty-seven minutes of edge-of-your-seat, laughter-inducing, tear-jerking, thought-provoking storytelling! Throughout the series, one line echoes again and again: “Tell me what you know about sheep.” It’s such a simple question — yet it carries incredible depth. It made me pause and think about what the Bible says about sheep and the Good Shepherd. Here are a few facts about sheep that Martin mentions, and some I’ve learned myself (we once had two pet sheep named Tori and Carly!): They are prone to wander. They get lost easily. They are easy prey because they have no natural defenses — no claws, sharp teeth, or speed to escape predators. They can seldom find their way home. They must be led to food and water because they cannot find clean water or good pasture on their own. They struggle to see clearly beyond a few yards in front of them. They can be easily startled by shadows or moving water. They are instinctively social and will follow the flock, even if it leads them into danger. They need a shepherd. Studies show sheep can recognize individual faces and voices. They won’t follow a stranger, but they respond immediately to their shepherd’s call, a beautiful reflection of what Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” How We Are Like Sheep When we look closely, it’s not hard to see ourselves in these same patterns. Like sheep, we are prone to wander, chasing distractions, following the world’s lead, and drifting from the safety of God’s presence. We, too, get lost, become fearful, and struggle to see the bigger picture. Without the guidance of the Good Shepherd, we fall prey to the enemy’s tactics, exhaustion, and confusion. But when we listen to Jesus’ voice, the voice of our Shepherd, He leads us back to peace, purpose, and home. The Comfort of Psalm 23 Psalm 23 paints the most tender picture of this relationship: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” Just as sheep depend on their shepherd for protection, nourishment, and rest, we depend on Jesus, the Good Shepherd, for everything our souls need He knows each of us by name, leads us to still waters, and restores our weary hearts when life feels heavy. We are never meant to navigate life alone. The One who made us walks before us, guards behind us, and calls us by name. So the next time you feel lost, anxious, or uncertain of the path ahead, remember this:You are one of His sheep.You have a Shepherd who never stops watching over you, guiding you, and leading you home.