November 10, 2020 A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis
During these difficult days, the Commonwealth West District is 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.
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Today’s Prayer
Psalm 2020: Lament from the Laity Desert Responding to Psalm 123 and Matthew 25:14-30 Creator God, You hear my lament in real time, as I write these words only days before the most consequential political event of my generation. Those who read these words will already live within the outcome which I cannot see. I lift my lament to You from the knoll where Moses struck the rock and solidified my faith in your living waters. How lonely sits my nation that was full of confidence. She has become like a widow who was once great among the nations! Lamentations 2 Physician God, you have formed my DNA to make me capable of remaining confident of your love. I do remain confident, though my neighbors have long ago given up: Sleek golden calves are now parked in every driveway. Bright, flat-screen altars direct the thoughts of every home. Here in the Laity Desert my neighbors worship idols. My neighbors worship the work of human hands. Loving God, did You call out to me to come aboard the Ark and I did not hear? Are the melting glaciers akin to Noah’s flood? The Plague that killed Egypt’s first born now hovers all around me. What blood from which lamb should I be painting across my doorpost? I know I will not see your face, but deep-rooted within my DNA is absolute confidence that you hear (shama') my lament. Loving God, I see your Son on the tree and I know that You know my grief. Creator God, strike the rock once more that your living waters may wash over your children’s thirsting cries. You, Lord, reign forever. Your throne endures from generation to generation. Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return! Lamentations 5 Written by Daniel Jones, Orange UMC, Laity