September 23, 2021
A daily prayer from the New England Conference
The clergy and laity of the New England Conference 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
Psalm 124, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 O God, how many prayers have I lifted this year that start with, “O God,” and a sigh? Forgive me for my tiredness but I am weary -- we are weary. We reached a milestone in our nation this week -- not a good one -- one of deaths because of COVID. "Look to God, do not be afraid. Lift up your voices, the Lord is near."
O God, it feels like a millstone around our necks and that we are being swallowed up by raging torrents. How we long to break free from this virus and fly away like birds escaping from a snare. So we turn to you, Our Help, who hears our prayers. "O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer, come and listen to me."
“Are any of you suffering?” Oh, yes, many are suffering from sickness, disasters, unrest, injustice. Then let us pray, pray, pray for those who suffer. "Our darkness is never darkness in your sight."
“Are any of you cheerful?” Oh, yes, we find joyful moments even in our weariness. Then let us sing songs of praise to God. "Sing praises all you peoples, sing praises to the Lord."
“Are any of you sick?” Oh, yes, many, many are sick in body, mind, or spirit. Then let us pray for God’s anointing grace to salve the sick. "Nothing can trouble, nothing can frighten... God alone fills us."
O God, hear our prayers of faith; may your gifts of hope and healing renew your weary people, may we be at peace with one another, through Jesus Christ we pray, "Give peace to every heart, Lord, give peace."
Amen.
~ Pastor Evie Doyon, Northfield United Methodist Parish, VT; Green Mountain District Administrative Assistant
Song references from the Taize community, Jacques Berthier: "In the Lord, I'll Be Ever Thankful" TFWS 2195 "O Lord, Hear My Prayer" TFWS 2200 "Our Darkness Is Never Darkness" URW 391 "Laudate omnes gentes" (Sing Praises, All You Peoples) "Nothing Can Trouble" TFWS 2054 "Give Peace to Every Heart" TFWS 22156
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