Reflection for June 5

For Graduates
O Lord, the good Shepherd who feedest thy flock in green pastures, and leadest them forth beside the waters of comfort; For thy Name’s sake bring forth [all graduates] in the paths of righteousness. Keep them from sin and from the deceits of the world, the flesh and the devil. Seek out and restore those that are astray. Heal those that are wounded. Rescue those that are ensnared. Mercifully receive again those who have wandered; and bring them all to the seven-fold gifts of thy Confirmation and the light of thy presence in the Holy Communion, that, knowing thee now by faith, we may hereafter enjoy the fruition of thy glorious Godhead who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen (James De Koven, 1831-1879).