A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis for June 30, 2020

June 30th, 2020

A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis

During these difficult days, members of the Katahdin 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

God of our lives, thank you for each new day you give us -- for the chance to love others, for the chance to do some good, for the chance to find joy and beauty. We are grateful, and humbled by your gifts. But we confess, merciful God, that we do not always use those gifts -- each day, each opportunity -- in ways that bring glory to you and hope to your people. We ask your forgiveness for the times we fall short: too often, we forget needs we should remember, and let fester feelings we should release; too often, we ignore truth when it becomes uncomfortable, and lack courage to do what is called for, and allow weariness and excuses to get the better of us; too often, we fail in prayer, in compassion, in doing justice. Accept our repentance, we pray, and grant to us new life. Thank you for our salvation in Jesus, who died to set us free from the power of our sin, and who lives within us, loving us through each day. We know, holy God, that you have formed us in your image, and that our spirits are guided by your Spirit, and that as your children we are called to love and minister in your name. And so we seek to walk with Jesus in this new day, embracing whatever gifts and work you set before us, holding to your light all in need of healing, peace, grace, hope, and offering to you our grateful hearts. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

Submitted by Mary E. Miller, Retired, Mars Hill UMC and United Parish Church, Fort Fairfield, based on Romans 7:15-25