Aug. 20, 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

Grace filled God, I read the scripture and discover that Jesus could set a woman free from a burden of illness that had lasted 18 years. He spoke the words and laid his hands upon her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. Can I understand such a remarkable gift? When I am bent over and unable to stand up straight from the burdens of the world and my own life, I long to be in your presence. Help me to hear you calling me to you. When I am looking down and my world is wrapped in pain, lift my eyes and my ears to see you standing with me. May I hear your words releasing me as the touch of your healing presence does its work. I long to stand up straight and praise you with all my being like that unnamed woman from long ago. Her healing came on the Sabbath, it was against the rules for those who set the rules. Help me to find that Sabbath that can bring such a complete healing. I pray this in Jesus’ name the one who comes to heal and make us all whole. Amen.

By Rev. Dr. Wesley Palmer, executive director, Preachers' Aid Society Inspired by Luke 13: 10-17