Gil
Aug 26, 20202 min
During these difficult days, the Preachers' Aid Society of New England is 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.
Based on Psalm 105: 1-6, 23-26, 45b
Gracious and Loving Lord we seek your will
In these days when the world is too much with us
With us as we are overwhelmed with news of sickness and death
With us as we see man’s inhumanity to man over and over again
With us when we see those who serve self above others
With us when we see those whose greed steals from others.
We thank you that we are able to refocus our thoughts to your blessings
As we see the miracle of a hatching egg and the bursting forth of a bloom from a bud
As we see the friendship of children who only see sameness and not difference
As we see the thoughtful caring even in a simple act of picking up someone’s dropped item
As we see those whose dedication to “right” guides their every day.
Oh Lord, the wonders you have given us are so all-encompassing that we are inadequate in our attempts to acknowledge them all. We ask that you accept our awareness of these blessings as gratitude, especially in these difficult days. May our awareness include recognition that all that we have and all that we are is from you – whether it is as grand as the glory of a sky-filled sunset, as minute as the perfection of a tiny hummingbird or the opportunity to provide a comforting prayer and hug. May our awareness also include acknowledgement that you are our strength as you know each of us and are protecting each of us. In that assurance we can rejoice in gratitude and praise even when the world is too much with us. Amen!
Written by Gail Tapply, PAS’ Director of Clergy Family Services, Northwest-Central Region; Lay Leader and member of First United Methodist Church in Gilford, NH