A Daily Prayer During this COVID-19 Crisis

April 26, 2021

A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis

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.

Today’s prayer

“No one has ever seen God … those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.” If only we could see you, O God, if only … Then we would believe in and love you with no doubt or fear … But you never show us your face … If only we could love first those whom we see, O God, if only … Then there would be no more judgment, no more fear, no more discrimination, no more oppression, and no more killings … But we see others only to measure, judge, fear, and control first … The only image you have shown, O God, is the image with which you have shaped each and every person with all their perfect uniqueness and holy differences. Grant us the eyes of grace to see your sacred and beloved image in all whom we encounter. Then we will be delighted to see and love you in each person we meet. The only way for you to love, O God, is to love first. You loved and came down to dwell in and among us first so that love can be the first and only thing we need to know you and all. Restore in and among us the power of your first love so that the only power your people and this world need will be nothing but love. Then your love will indeed become perfect in us in spite of all our imperfections and your justice will prevail in every corner of your world in spite of all the wrongs in the world. Turn all our “if onlys” into humble faith and honest commitment to put love first in all our doings and dealings. Amen. By Rev. We Hyun Chang, Commonwealth East District Superintendent Inspired by 1 John 4:7-12