Nov. 3, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis
During these difficult days, Boston University School of Theology 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.
Today’s prayer
Prayer and Hymn based on Matthew 25:1-13 Holy One, who never slumbers nor sleeps: strengthen us to keep our lamps trimmed and burning, that, with undimmed faith during these dark days, we may be ever watchful for glimpses of your brightening reign and ready for its full in-breaking; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. A hymn on the Gospel text by Frances Jane Crosby Van Alstyne (aka Fanny Crosby), 1820-1915, Methodist, poet, hymn and song writer
When Jesus comes to reward his servants, Whether it be noon or night, Faithful to him will he find us watching, With our lamps all trimmed and bright?
Refrain: Oh, can we say we are ready, brother (sister/Christian)? Ready for the soul’s bright home? Say, will he find you and me still watching, Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?
If, at the dawn of the early morning, He shall call us one by one, When to the Lord we restore our talents, Will he answer thee, “Well done”?
Have we been true to the trust he left us? Do we seek to do our best? If in our hearts there is naught condemns us, We shall have a glorious rest.
Blessed are those whom the Lord finds watching, In his glory they shall share; If he shall come at the dawn or midnight, Will he find us watching there?
Note: This hymn text is in the public domain (no copyright permission required). The meter of this hymn is 10.7.10.7 with refrain. Unfortunately, the tune with this meter in the United Methodist Hymnal — I AM THINE #419 — does not fit this text. To find an appropriate tune, look up this text at www.hymnary.org. Karen Westerfield Tucker, Professor of Worship, Boston University School of Theology; UMC elder