A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis for August 30, 2020

AUG. 30, 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: 24-28

Jesus asks, “what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life?” In the next sentence, “what will they give in return for their life? In these very dangerous days many around us have a simple answer, “money, profit, power!” And that is wrong – by the Golden Rule, by all the teachings of Jesus, by any sense of community locally or worldwide – wrong. A dear late friend of mine, Bob Edgar used to begin almost every public speech by quoting an old African proverb, “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.” In our world today, none of us is safe unless all of us are safe – together. 

God of the east and of the west; God of the rich and poor; God of Kingdoms and Kindoms, give us the wisdom of Christ and the faith of all true Disciples. Help us to believe not in Jesus alone, but in every notion of His beliefs and teachings. Help us believe what Jesus believed. Give us the strength of many hands and hearts working toward one end, justice, compassion, and love. In the name of creator God, incarnate Christ and our common Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Written by Dr. Thomas Gallen; he retired from his role as Executive Director of the Preachers’ Aid Society in 2015. He currently serves as the Pastor of First UMC in Chatham, MA.