A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis on April 2, 2020

April 2, 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.

You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions.

Today’s prayer

This strange country* Into this strange country the godtree grew, taking root in ground we did not trust finding nurture in some other earth unrecognised by us. God, this strange country we are in, the trees are unfamiliar with roots that tighten tempted to wander finding nurture in some other place making us unrecognizable. And here, among us grew a life that, by and by, we recognised as living. And here, God, among us is growing a life that, by and by, we may come to see as living. It discerned the seasons in a climate not our own. It leans into this new season and somehow leaves are  budding. And, strangely, it has shown us shelter. God, strangely, it is showing us shelter. Its boughs have made our homes. Its boughs are making our homes.

By Rev. Rick McKinley, Director of Congregational Development

*Modified from a poem by Pádraigh Ó Tuama, This strange country, pg. 21, “readings from the book of exile,”  © Pádraig Ó Tuama 2012, Canterbury Press Norwich. The words in italics are his original poem.