A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis for August 23, 2020

AUG. 23, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis

During these difficult days, the United Methodist Foundation of New England
is 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
​Matthew 16.13-20, Romans 12.1-8
 
Gracious and loving God, 
Source of our wisdom and sustainer of our spirits,
Thank you for your steadfast presence with us.
You have created each one, and through your grace have gifted us with unique qualities and talents.
In your wisdom, bring us together – as one body – to serve you and one another.
Bring us together to love you and one another.
Through your grace combine our gifts and talents in your holy web of interdependence,
Ever reminding us that there is room for all, and that all are essential in your love and
All are needed in our liberation.
Bring your peace to those who are hurting and grieving this day.
We thank you for Simon Peter, whose humanity, flaws, and enthusiasm remind us that we, too, have a place and purpose in your kin-dom. Give us the courage to love with reckless abandon in following Jesus the Christ. 
In these challenging days, we will testify to who you are through our hearts, minds, hands, and feet – in our living. We will remind one another of your light and love that heals, sustains, comforts, and surrounds us all.
In your holy name we pray,
Amen.
 
Written by Rev. Ted Crass, President, United Methodist Foundation of New England