A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis for July 22, 2020

July 22, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis

During these difficult days, members of the Granite 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 PrayerBased on 1 Kings 3:5-12
 
Gracious and loving God,
I am grateful for those who came before me,
who were charged with caring for your people as shepherds,
and who served faithfully, loving you and loving their people.
I have benefitted from the wisdom of their years of experience
and from the example of their lives.
I face the task of being a shepherd to my flock, to your flock,
with humility and an awareness of how difficult it is
to know what is right or wrong in this time of pandemic
and social and political division.
I cannot do this job the way I did it four months ago.
I have had to learn new technology and new practices for ministry.
I have needed to address great issues
when I am distanced from my people.
Important decisions have had to be made about how and where and when
we could begin to meet together in person once again.
I feel as if there are life and death concerns to be dealt with.
And so, O Lord, I ask you for the gift of wisdom.
Teach me, instruct my heart and mind and spirit,
so that all I do will honor you and be in the best interest
of my congregation and community.
Do not let my discomfort with new ways of doing and being
prevent me from moving forward as a leader with confidence and faith.
May my decisions be based on correct information and the welfare of all concerned.
And may I be faithful to my calling as your servant.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I offer this prayer.
Amen.
​
Rev. Elisabeth Smith, Grantham UMC and Lake Sunapee UMC; Granite District