June 28, 2020
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
“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.”
These words have been attributed to John Wesley (June 28, 1703 – March 2, 1791), whose birthday we celebrate today. However, Methodist scholars maintain that Wesley never actually said these words. At least, it has not been demonstrated that these words originated with him as they do not appear in any of his writings. That said, many life-long Methodists have associated this “rule of life” with John Wesley. If the most we can say is that Wesley used words similar to these (as is the case in one of his sermons) or that Wesley’s theology, life, and ministry reflected the essence of these words, or simply that we have come to connect them with Wesley because they (likely wrongly) have been attributed to him for so long, so be it. Let us be grateful for this wise “rule of life” as we celebrate the 317th birthday of John Wesley. Better still, attempt to “Do all the good we can ... ” Scripture Readings: Genesis 22: 1-14, Matthew 10: 40-42 God of the Ages, As you gave the ram for the sacrifice, As you made a way for our mothers and fathers, for Abraham and Sarah and the long line of the faithful, and As they trusted in the Word that they did not fully comprehend, As you journeyed with them into a future they could not see, As your Spirit sustained Jesus in the wilderness where he was tempted but did not forsake you, As Jesus instructed his followers by his example to love, As he gave us the gift of abundant life ... So give us faith to believe in your promise that we do not fully see or comprehend, So make us strong to resist evil in whatever guises it presents itself, So make us willing to stretch out our hands in the name of Jesus to offer hospitality to the stranger, to give a cup of water to the little ones, to welcome the outcast. Restore in us, oh God, the faith you gave Abraham, “Jehovah-Jireh” (God will provide); Restore in us the faith that you give us now; Restore in us the faith That You will provide to all generations, That the sacrifice and the reward will be given and received. In the name of the Creator, Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
By Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar