A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis for September 14, 2020

During these difficult days, members of the Granite District of the New England Conference 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.

Prayer for Strength and Guidance (based on Matthew 20:1-16)

Eternal God,
 You bless us all without a status check.
 And you have taught of us what you expect.
 Reminding us your grace cannot be earned.
 We look to you, we have so much to learn.
 And yet we often act as if we know
 Who deserves the most! Not so and so.
 We question how your grace has gone to whom.
 But truly it is envy that will fume.

When Matthew tries to teach the last are first
 We question how that wisdom even works!
 The one who toils hours in the field
 We don’t believe in one hour should yield
 The same reward? Preposterous—we boast.
 And then when we partake Communion hosts

Your muted message aggravates our hearts
 Your generosity is off all charts.
 Today we are unsure as what to do
 Our worshiping is happening with few.
 Our families are facing pain and fear.
 We look for leaders whom we can revere.
 We seek your justice, calling out your name
 The people cry, divided, filled with shame.

Show us how we can listen to your Word
 With ears that in the past have never heard,
 Creator God, your image is imprinted on our souls.
 Your grace is ever present to behold.
 Your Son showed us what loving really means
 Your Holy Spirit comes to us in dreams.

Let all the strength you have for us reveal
 Exactly what we need to do to heal.
 In Jesus’ name we know we are forgiven.
 Let nothing interfere with holy living.
 Let plague and prejudice be gone this day
 Let health and loving kindness be our way. Amen

Prayer by Rev. Kathleene Card, Pastor, Peterborough UMC; Granite District