May 9, 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
O Lord, we have recently experienced a National Day of Prayer, however, as your creation, we should always pray without ceasing. The Psalmist declared these words: Psalm 31:1-5 (NKJV) “In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness. 2 Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily; Be my rock of refuge, A fortress of defense to save me. 3 For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me. 4 Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, For You are my strength. 5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth”. A Prayer for Adverse Times … Gracious and All-Knowing God, You are never surprised by what happens in our lives. You are not numb to our personal pain and tragedy experienced during this COVID-19 season. You are not insensitive to what nurses, doctors, grocery store and essential workers are dealing with on a daily basis. You fully understand the hurt and disappointment of the high school and college graduates that will be unable to physically walk across the stage to receive their diplomas and degrees after all the hours of study and preparation as well as the financial sacrifices their parents and families have made. Remind your creation as you reminded the prophet Jeremiah of these words: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) Let the unforgettable words of William Williams reassure us during these challenging times:
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy pow’rful hand. Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more; Feed me till I want no more. Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy pow’rful hand. Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more; Feed me till I want no more.
Increase our ability to trust you and lean not to our own understanding. Allow us the grace to see your mighty hand moving us through this pandemic. Pull us out of the net of disease and illness and deliver us for you are still my rock and my redeemer, Amen.
By Rev. Dr. Andrew L. Foster, III., RISEM District Superintendent Scripture: Psalm 31:1-5