December 26, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis
During these difficult days, members of the Many Waters 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.
Today’s prayer
Luke 2:4-14
Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see--I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" Holy God, like Mary and Joseph we feel as though we have traveled far. We can’t help but wonder when and where we will find a place of rest.
We seek hope, respite and relief by searching for answers and cures among our leaders, scientists, and sages.
At Christmas, you remind us through the birth of a baby that you come to us in the most unlikely ways - through the common and ordinary places of life.
Hear us when we cry out, “Come, come Emmanuel. Come into the places of pain and despair with a word of hope. Come into our brokenness and bring your healing love. Come transform our world into a place of equanimity and peace.”
Awaken our hearts to the revelation that you are right here in our midst - traveling with us, our companion and guide.
You are bringing forth new life, filled with hope and the promise of your Divine Presence. We continue our journey into the unknown.
But we move forward in faith, trusting you every step of the way.
We move forward in peace, carrying love and hope in our hearts.
We move forward in gratitude and joy as we join with the angels’ chorus, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! Amen
Rev. Becky Hamann. Spiritual Director at the Reah Ministry. Serving as an extension minister from the Many Waters District of the New England Annual Conference UMC