March 7, 2021
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis
During these difficult days, members of the New England Conference staff 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
As I prepare to gather online for another Sunday worship, O God, it's hard to believe it has been nearly a year: A year of loss, a year of masks, a year of Zoom. A year of being distanced from loved ones, a year of community online. Yet amid the hurt, the fear, and the separation of this ongoing pandemic, I know that You O LORD are never distant, and though at times it can be so hard to remember, I thank you that you are ever near. As a new day dawns, help me to see you and your love revealed through the little things and the big things in this world through the glory of the heavens, through the beauty of a flower, through the bread and the cup, and yes, even in the losses, in the masks, in the Zoom. May your face be unmasked and revealed today as people gather online for worship, as the birds echo our praises in their songs, as creation tells of Your presence. Because everything is connected in a web of assuring love, may your Divine hand weave me into a larger community of praise this day. May your Word remind me that your ways are perfect, even when I do not understand, even as I wonder, "How much longer O God?" Although online church continues, may my heart today feel your unending Love ever near, may my mind know the truth of your promises, may my hands reach out in divine kindness even across the digital divide even as you have reached out across the Divine divide to give me strength as I choose to live fully each day for you. This day I declare that You are my God and there shall never be another before You. You are my Christ who came as the power and wisdom of God. You are my Sustainer who is my rock and redeemer, and though this long year of pandemic grows even longer, I praise you for you are Lord of all creation. And it is in your name, I pray and praise, Amen.
By Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jay, Executive Director, Rolling Ridge Retreat and Conference Center Inspired by Psalm 19