November 27, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis
During these difficult days, members of the Granite District of the New England Conference 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
Based on Mark 13:28-29
In Mark 13: 28-29 Jesus tells us “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door.” We are invited so see things as they are, “see things happening”, to welcome the season, to see both the gifts and the struggles.
Anthony de Mello tells the story: “On a bitterly cold day a Rabbi and his disciples were huddled around a fire. One of the disciples, echoing his master’s teachings, said, “On a freezing day like this I know exactly what to do!”
“What?” asked the others. “Keep warm! And if that isn’t possible, I still know what to do.” “What?” “Freeze.”
Present Reality cannot really be rejected or accepted. To run away from it is like running away from your feet. To accept it is like kissing your lips. All you need to do is see, understand, and be at rest.” Prayer: Ever present God, may we welcome how it is with us right now. May we see the season and open up to a deeper understanding. May we find rest and grace in our lives just as they are, right here, right now. And may we live this prayer in the Spirit of our Master, Jesus, who is always with us and always within us. Amen; may it be so with us.
Prayer by Rev. Steven Notis, Hampton United Methodist Church, Hampton, NH, Granite District