At Mt. Carmel we open worship by praying the Psalms back to God. This one is from Psalm 119:169-176, the last stanza of the longest psalm.
Good Shepherd, You go after the sheep that go astray, and we are those sheep. We ask that You find us again this morning.
Let my cry reach you, LORD; give me understanding according to your word. Let my plea reach you; rescue me according to your promise.
Heavenly Father, hear the sound we make this morning, the noise of a lost animal wanting its shepherd. Give us understanding and rescue us, for a sheep cannot save itself.
My lips pour out praise, for you teach me your statutes. My tongue sings about your promise, for all your commands are righteous. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, LORD, and your instruction is my delight.
Lord, teach us so that our lips pour out Your praise. We long for Your salvation, and Your salvation came looking for us.
Let me live, and I will praise you; may your judgments help me. I wander like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commands.
Lord, at the end of this long psalm we tell You the truth. We still wander like lost sheep, and we are Your sheep, so You seek Your servants. You left the ninety-nine and gathered us into Your flock. We thank You in the name of Jesus Christ our Shepherd, who was struck for the sheep and carries us home. Amen.