February 4, 2022
A daily prayer from the New England Conference
Members of the New England Conference 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
Holy and gracious God, Giver of all manner of good, For nearly two years we have navigated continuously changing conditions while learning different ways of being church. We have grappled with the reality that our vision of health and safety is often different from our neighbor. We are disturbed by the treatment of your children across this planet and by our collective indifference to those who cry out. Even what was once ordinary now takes great effort. When we look at the road ahead, it stretches beyond the limits of our sight. We feel the toll our woes have exacted. We confess that we are weary. We are tired of protocols, uncertainty and our daily altered existence at the hand of a pandemic. Many people have no choice but to risk their well-being on our behalf. Rather than be just, we would rather move on. Rather than continue on the road you set before us through our faith, we have an impulse to seek the next exit or throw our hands up in despair. God of us all, we seek some sense of what we used to call normalcy. We seek a bountiful harvest from our efforts. Yet, when we hopefully cast our nets, the fertile oceans we envision are barren. Day after day, as we walk amidst troubles, we look for signs of hope but the catch seems lacking. Good news seems to be overwhelmed by the flood of anxiety and instability all around us. O Adonai, how long? How long must we go on like this? How long shall we try again and again with no fruit from our labors? Our resources are stretched. Too many wells are dry, fields are barren and oceans are empty. It is difficult to comprehend what is happening in this world. Yet, we are who we are and you are who you are. O God of persistent wonders, you continue to call us. Help us listen to your voice as you encourage, invite, beckon and lead. Help us see your grace pouring forth upon us and all the world each and every moment. We are here; send us to be your ever-loving presence. Redeemer Christ, remind us that these many months need not have been in vain. For the good news continues to be proclaimed and is evident all around us when we open our eyes. You preserve us in the face of our enemies. Your right hand delivers us. Your steadfast love endures forever. Grace abounds! Shepherd us to hold firmly to your message of hope, love and joy-filled living. Invigorating Holy Spirit, open our eyes to the reality that our nets are in fact bursting. We are thankful for the extravagance of your provision for all creation while acknowledging you have asked us to tend your world. Yet, with your help we have nothing to fear, for our vessels are indeed overflowing with the strength and activity of your transforming grace. So, move our entire selves to again confidently embody the relationship recorded by the prophet: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of your glory.” 1 Amen. --Rev. Tim Wilcox Pastor, Gray Memorial United Methodist Church
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