March 23, 2021
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis
During these difficult days, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and members of the New England Conference 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
Mark 11:1-11
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.'" They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?" They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it.
O fearless Creator, you never stop inviting us, calling us, to follow your direction. You expect our cooperation and invite us to be generous. I am inspired by the bystanders in Mark’s gospel who do not hesitate to lend their colt to “the Lord” when it is needed. And yet I am aware of my own resistance to letting go of my “stuff” so easily … could be my own wealth, or privilege, power … even my own expectations or selfish desires. What do I have to give up for you to turn it into a vessel of your love? What do you need me to offer for your plans to come to fruition? What do I need to surrender in order for the pandemics of racism and COVID-19 to be squashed so that new life can be possible for all? Continue to call out to me with what the Lord needs in order for your beloved community to become the kingdom of God on earth.
By Rev. Erica Robinson-Johnson, Director of Connectional Ministries/Assistant to the Bishop