May 24, 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
On this Ascension Sunday, it reminds me that it is proper and right to pray for yourself before you pray for others; after all, Jesus prays for Himself (The Real Lord’s Prayer) and afterward he prayed for His disciples … 17:1 “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”
O God, during this pandemic, you have slowed me down and reminded me to be still and know that you are God. You have given me opportunity after opportunity to look up to You for You are still my help and my salvation. Thank you for your protection, your provision and for your presence in my life. Thank you for caring for my family during this seemingly long season of waiting and anticipation of when we will see each other again beyond Zoom, Hangout, Skype, FaceTime and other on-line platforms. Father continue to grant me your wisdom, knowledge, and favor as I strive to walk worthy of your perfect will for my life and lead all to you.
6 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me, and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me, and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.”
Loving God, as your children all over this world continue to suffer and grieve, I ask that you remind them of the hope of resurrection. Remind them that nothing will separate them from your great Love. I pray that you continue to protect their hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit. Let them see each other as your beloved creation – Make them one.
In the words of Carol Cymbala, “Make us One” Make us one, Lord, make us one; Holy Spirit, make us one. Let your love flow so the world will know we are one in you. Make us one.
This is my prayer, in Jesus’ name, So Be It.
By Rev. Dr. Andrew L. Foster, III., RISEM District Superintendent Scripture: John 17:1-11 (NIV)