March 26, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis
During these difficult days, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and the members of the Extended Cabinet are sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week.
You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions.
Today’s prayer
Gracious and faithful God, you who are unchangeable, unwavering and everlasting,
In these uncertain and challenging times, we seek your face, we seek your direction, we seek your protection, and we desire your perfect will in our lives. We acknowledge your omniscient spirit and are thankful that you are not caught off guard by COVID-19.
We are living in a world that is full of dry bones that desperately need a fresh outpouring of your Holy Spirit. Grant us wisdom as we care for the temples, our bodies that house your Holy Spirit. Help your creation to refrain from finger pointing and blaming others. Remind us that the rain falls on the just and the unjust. Teach us to discern the purpose of this season and time in the life of the church and even this world.
Give us the desire to seek you more. Come Holy Spirit and revive your dry bones. Come Holy Spirit and breathe hope into these seemingly hopeless situations.
Make us more aware of those with food insecurity, the homeless, firstresponders, healthcare professionals, local, state and federal governmental leadership, church leadership, small business owners and those in prisons both physically and mentally.
Grant us creative ways to be your hands and feet in the communities we are called to serve. Instill in us the ability and the willingness to be better to your creation and to your planet. Forgive us of where we have fallen short.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer, Amen.
By Dr. Andrew L. Foster, III. – RISEM District Superintendent/Servant Leader
Scripture: Ezekiel 37:4-6 New International Version (NIV)
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what thou dost love,
And do what thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Until my heart is pure:
Until with thee I have one will
To do and to endure.
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Till I am wholly thine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with thy fire divine.
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with thee the perfect life
Of thine eternity
Edwin Hatch (1835-1889)
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