John 10:1-21
This coming Sunday we are at Nashwaaksis Baptist Church with our ecumenical kindred, so we are taking a break from the journey through Paul’s letters. This week, we open ourselves to the gospel of John, chapter 10.
We live in a world full of voices. There are voices that tell us to hurry. Voices that tell us we are not enough. Voices that demand our attention, pull us in different directions, and leave us wondering what truly matters.
In John 10, Jesus offers a different image. He describes himself as the shepherd whose sheep know his voice, not because the shepherd shouts louder than everything else, and not because the path is always obvious, but because relationship creates recognition.
The sheep know the shepherd because they have spent time with the shepherd.
That can feel difficult in a noisy world. We often expect God’s voice to be obvious and come with complete clarity. But more often, the voice of Christ comes quietly, through peace, invitation, compassion, wisdom, or a gentle nudge toward life.
Listening for the Shepherd’s voice is less about finding perfect certainty and more about creating space to become familiar with the One who leads us.
This week, set aside five quiet minutes each day to practice listening. Find a comfortable place and begin with a few slow breaths. Then pray simply:
“Good Shepherd, what do you want me to hear today?”
After praying, sit quietly.
There is no need to force an answer or fill the silence. Simply notice:
- what thoughts arise?
- what feelings surface?
- what words, images, or invitations gently come to mind?
If your attention drifts, gently return to your breath and the prayer. When your time is finished, ask yourself:
Did anything I noticed feel like it led toward peace, compassion, hope, or life?
You may not receive a dramatic answer, and that’s okay. This practice is not about producing certainty. It is about becoming more attentive to the voice of Christ and learning to recognize the ways God is already speaking in your life. Over time, familiarity grows. And sometimes the Shepherd’s voice becomes clearer simply because we have learned to listen.
Let’s pray:
Good Shepherd, in the noise of our lives, help us slow down and listen. Teach us to recognize your voice, the voice that leads toward love, peace, and life. Give us quiet hearts, open ears, and the courage to follow where you lead. AMEN
