March 9, 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
Gracious and loving God, For you so loved the world, that you gave your love in the character, passion, and compassion of Jesus … a perfect love — even of that which is unknown. A love that casts out fear. Sometimes it is hard to comprehend that you love each of us in this way, too: all of your love within our hearts. As we travel in the wilderness of our Lenten journey, we don’t leave behind our thoughts … our unique voices … our “selves” … our judgements … our contradictions. These insist on coming along. Our prayer this season is that your Holy Spirit accompany us — and push us as needed, wider still … into the wilderness of our unawareness. There, we can examine the reality of our thoughts and judgements. We can discover the unknown “selves” within our hearts. This discovery will require self-compassion … for each of us. Many things we find difficult or hard to accept are there. Be with us to reconcile these for our wholeness and to love more deeply the mystery and the unknown in others. For you so loved the world, that you gave your love in the character and compassion of Jesus. Holy One, today in our journey, help us to imitate this love. Lead us to experience your reconciling love at home within our hearts so that we can be unique expressions of your love in the world for others. In the name of Jesus the Christ, Amen. Rev. Ted Crass, President, The United Methodist Foundation of New England. Inspiration: John 3.14-21, Martin L. Smith, A Season for the Spirit.