A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis for August 29, 2020

AUG. 29, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis

During these difficult days, the Preachers' Aid Society 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
Based on Matthew 16: 21-23

Almighty and ever living God, we find ourselves faced with so many stumbling blocks in this time of pandemic. We try our best to stay safe and to keep those we love safe. We are bombarded with information and changing expectations. We no longer know what is normal and yet we crave to find a sense of normalcy. We understand Peter’s outburst at Jesus as he described the suffering he would face. We feel that we have reached our limit and we long for your assurance.
Loving God, focus us again on your divine love for us and for your creation. Help us to see how we can be those who remove stumbling blocks not just for ourselves, but for all the world. Give us the courage to face our daily reality and discover new remedies for the fears that would consume us. May we discover the gifts of social distancing that can inform our lives and behaviors beyond this pandemic.  May we never again take our ability to be together for granted. Unite us again in our efforts to live as your disciples bringing love to a hurting world. Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. Wesley Palmer, Executive Director of the Preachers’ Aid Society.