A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis for August 14, 2020

August 14, 2020

A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis

During these difficult days, members of the Seacoast District 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  Based on Genesis 45: 3, Isaiah 56:1, Genesis 45:1-15, Isaiah 56:1, 6-8

  Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?"
 
  Thus says the LORD: Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and my      deliverance be revealed.
 
  Compassionate God, how your heart must break,
  as the numbers grow day by day.
  More cases reported, more lives affected,
  more death, more grief and despair.
  It’s tempting when we hear the statistics, to protect our weary hearts, hear numbers instead of lives.
  But how many ask, how many cry, “Is my father, my mother, my dear one still alive?”
  Justice-making God, are you weary of showing us the way?
  More reports of injustice, hatred, and murder,
  more pain and death, more grief and despair.
  Temptation comes in so many forms.
  Keep silent. Keep the peace. Don’t offend or incense.
  We protect ourselves from discomfort, talk of incidents, not people, not children.
  How many ask, how many cry, “Is my brother, my sister, my beloved still alive?”
  Hear the cries of our lips, the pain of our hearts.
  Hold our grief, our anger, our despair.  
  Soften our hearts and embolden our souls, give us courage in the face of temptation.
  Let us see through your eyes, and love with your love.
  Let justice prevail, your salvation come, and deliverance be revealed.
  Amen.
​
   By: Rev. Heather R. Bailes Baker, serving Osterville UMC, Seac