When Jesus founded his Church on earth, he placed it to the care of the apostles, who became the first bishops or shepherds of the Christian faithful. And they passed on that special task to others through the laying on of hands that’s the sacrament of Holy Orders, a tradition that continues till this present time.
Many are the responsibilities of the bishop, which is being the chief shepherd of a specific geographic location. It is a strong task, one that is impossible to manage without the spiritual support of his flock.
Below is a brief prayer that you can say for your local bishop (or for multiple bishops), asking God to flourish your bishop with courage and strength to remain faithful to Christ and guide the people placed to his care with holiness of life.
God, the eternal shepherd, you inflame your Church in many ways and you rule us with love. You have elected your servant, N., to be a shepherd of your flock. Provide for him a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love. By governing with fidelity those placed to his care, may he build your Church as a sign of salvation for the world.
