A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis on April 9, 2020
April 9, 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
Today is Holy Thursday or Maundy (Commandment) Thursday.
Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34).
Abba Father, Daddy God, it’s me, it’s me, it’s me O Lord, standing in the need of prayer. As this new day unfolds, a day filled with new mercies, I bring your people to your throne of grace, those whose heads are bent down with pain and despair. Those whose lives seem isolated and unbearable. I bring those who miss and even crave the physical fellowship of the sanctuary. As the song writers, John Thompson and Randy Scruggs, wrote, “Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true, with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.” Give them the strength to see beyond the natural, temporary world we live in and increase their faith to sing to the rafters, that You are Lord. On the night before you were led to a cruel death on a cross for our sins, you not only shared your body and your blood, but you modeled true servant leadership. Just as you washed the dirty smelly and tired feet of all your disciples including Judas, the one who betrayed you with a kiss and 30 pieces of silver. I ask that you provide a healing touch to the souls of all of your creation who are worshiping you virtually. As we fast approach Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, I also ask that you grant those who have lost loved ones (first responders, family members, colleagues) during this pandemic season your overwhelming peace and presence as you remind them that “precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints” (Psalm 116:15). Give them solace to know that nothing will separate them from your great love in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39). Please don't let their faith be weakened during the season of waiting rather increase their ability and desire to seek you even more. Give them strength to run on and see what the end will be. I seal this prayer in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, amen (So Be It). By Rev. Dr. Andrew L. Foster, III, RISEM District Superintendent, Servant Leader Scripture: John 13:1-17 and Psalm 116:15