A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis for April 8, 2021

During these difficult days, Bishop Devadhar and 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.

God, the doors were locked
 in the house where fearful and
 bewildered disciples were hiding.
 Jesus came and stood among them
 and said: “Peace be with you.”

He showed them
 his hands and his side:
 the marks of his suffering,
 the cost of his love,
 the way to life through death,
 and they rejoiced.

But then Jesus made it clear
 that he did not offer peace
 only to leave them huddled under cover.
 He came to send them out.
 Peace was the blessing.
 Love, was the purpose.
 Spirit was the gift.
 Telling the scandalous good news
 was the mission for which he had been sent
 and was now sending them.

Risen Christ, come to us
 in the places where
 we’ve locked ourselves up
 behind closed doors.
 Bless us, with your peace, and
 grant us courage to be bearers
 your radical and life-giving good news!

We ask this in the name of the Risen Christ, who lives and reigns with
 you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

By Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar
 John 20: 19-31