The Shepherd’s Prayer
Folded into the heart of Psalm 69 is a simple yet profound prayer—one that should capture the attention of every pastor, parent, coach, and shepherd:
Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, O Lord GOD of hosts;
let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel.
Other-Centeredness
What strikes me most about this prayer is its other-centeredness—the burden it carries for the hearts of those who are served and led. Embedded in the psalmist’s plea is a deep desire to shepherd well, to ensure that no shame or dishonor falls upon those entrusted to his or her care.
The Weight of Responsibility
Twice the phrase “through me” appears. These two simple words reveal a powerful awareness of personal responsibility. You can almost hear the resolve in the voice of the one praying: “Not on my watch.” This is a leader who understands that one’s integrity and choices deeply affect others.
Eyes on the Master
Notice also the psalmist’s attention to God: “O Lord GOD of hosts … O God of Israel.” The plea is directed to the One who holds all power and sees all things. The repetition of “let not” underscores the urgency. The psalmist knows that true strength and sustaining help come only from the Almighty. And woven into this lyric is an astonishing accountability: people are depending on the one praying to lead them well—and God is watching. Not only watching, but actively resourcing the faithful.
A Call to Selflessness and Servanthood
For every missionary, pastor, parent, or leader, this prayer is an invitation to a life marked by selflessness and servanthood. We are not just called to lead—we are called to lead well, with humility and integrity. The stakes are high. People need leaders who will not cause them to stumble, who will reflect the character of Christ.
Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, O Lord GOD of hosts;
let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel.
May this be our prayer, our posture, and our pledge.
