A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis on April 1, 2020

April 1, 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.

Today’s prayer

Be gracious to me, O God, for I am in distress:       Financial resources are depleting, and grocery shelves are bare.       Some jobs are closing, while others are forced to work in unsafe environments exposed to the virus.      Children are out of school.      Loved ones are ill and I cannot visit them at the hospital.      Loved ones have died and we cannot schedule the funerals.

Be gracious to me, O God, for I am in distress:

But I trust in you, O God;      The sun will continue to rise and set.       Helpers will care for the most vulnerable: the elderly, the immunocompromised, the homeless, the undocumented and recent immigrants.       You call us each your beloved child. I trust in you, O God.

I say, “You are my God.”        Even when we cannot worship together in the sanctuary.        Even when we are not allowed out of our residences.        Even when the world seems to ignore you. You are my God.

Save me in your steadfast love (hesed*).       Forgive my rebellious nature, forgive my trespasses.        You have been with me at my best and you are with me at my worst.        You are the God who hears and responds with hesed.        I place all my confidence in your steadfast love. Save me in your steadfast love.

By Rev. Megan Stowe, Central Massachusetts District Superintendent Scripture: Psalm 31:9-16

*hesed: (Hebrew) that can be translated as mercy, compassion, steadfast love, faithfulness or grace.