Jan. 20, 2021
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis
During these difficult days, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and the 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
Psalm 62:5-12
For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath. Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them. Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. For you repay to all according to their work. O Holy One, On this historic morning, we come before you with hope, relief, and disquiet. We celebrate our human-made institutions and a new opportunity. We long to breathe and be the Beloved Community. You call us to love one another, to reject violence, and to listen. Our hope is in you, our rock and refuge, the Source of all that is good and never-ending. Your Truth makes us free. And yet, we mourn division with sisters and brothers. We have made media, coin, and systems our gods and sing My Country ‘tis of Thee. Forgive us. For so long, we have lived in our normal routines at less than our best and we can no longer recognize our need for your healing. Puncture our delusions of privilege and status, and deliver us from greed and favoritism. O God, awaken us to the life-taking fear and lies that separate us from one another. Disturb our self-righteousness, and reveal your grace where it is needed and not wanted. Remind us to be life-giving, to wish the best for one another, to have compassion for one another, and to acknowledge our own brokenness. Our hope is in you, our rock and refuge, the Source of all that is good and never-ending. Your Truth makes us free. Today we gather together – at a distance – over the screens of our TVs and devices, Longing to be shoulder to shoulder, touching one another, 350 million strong. Feeling that we are all turning the page together. Feeling our hope passed from one to another. God of love, we thank you for leaders who wear the joys and sorrows of life for all to see: Triumph, disappointment, loss and grief, joy, courage, and service. We pray your blessing upon Joseph Biden and his family and on Kamala Harris and her family. Bless their leadership, and inspire them to be leaders who hold their humanity boldly. May they recognize your Divine Spirit in all people, especially the poor and marginalized and serve them. Awaken us to the tangible reality of our holy web of interdependence and inspire us to act in our oneness. Lead us to work for justice and equity, and let justice roll down like waters with righteousness a mighty stream. Give us the strength to sustain our spirits and will in this sacred work. Let us rise together, go up together. Our hope is in you, our rock and refuge, the Source of all that is good and never-ending. Your Truth makes us free. Guide us each day to embrace your grace and to bring your love and justice into the world. On this day of hope, gird us for the difficult challenges and holy opportunities ahead. Help us to be true to you, O God, and true to our native land. Amen. Written by Rev. Ted Crass, President, The United Methodist Foundation of New England Inspiration: Psalm 62.5-12; Lift Every Voice and Sing, UMH 519