September 27, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis
During these difficult days, members of the Green Mountain 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
When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. Matthew 21:23-27
Lord of Life, Justice and Truth. As we wander the paths of our present human condition, we thirst for Truth the same way the ancient followers of Moses thirsted for water.
Much like the chief priests that confronted Jesus, we have leadership that knows the truth about COVID but fears the crowds and will not speak truth or perhaps, speak at all.
We ourselves can be like the elders, afraid to speak your truth when called to do so. We can withhold your grace out of selfishness or ambition. We too can fall to fear and utter, "We do not know" when in fact we do.
All of this is a reminder that in this time of COVID, racial injustice, and climate disaster the only real truth comes from you. The only real guidance is your path of walking with Love and Grace.
May we honor your authority and proclaim your truth today.
In Christ’s Name, Amen.
Rev. Preston Fuller, Pastor and Elder, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, St. Albans; Green Mountain District