A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis for November 16, 2020

November 16, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis

During these difficult days, members of the Katahdin 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
Ezekiel 34:11-6, 20-24 and Matthew 25: 42-45

Ever-present God,

You are the God of restoration and for that we are grateful.  Your servant, Ezekiel, was a caring shepherd and he reminded the captives of just who it was that he, himself, followed—You, O God, he followed you-- the perfect Shepherd.  For with your seeking eyes and with your deep love, you promised to bring restoration to God’s people.  Ezekiel delivered that message to those who felt scattered beyond the good pastures they had known. 
We may feel that way, too, Lord.  These last few months have challenged us and changed the look of many of our once- comfortable pastures.   We look around, now,  
And we don’t see the ordinary and routine like we might have earlier in the year.  Covid-19, political unrest, injustices squarely looking us in the eye, have relocated us in a sense. We find ourselves a bit scattered beyond what we once wanted to call good.  
But none of this means that you aren’t still in control.  You are in control and your promises of restoration and love are ever-lasting and ever-living.  They are as fresh today as they were in Ezekiel’s time.  You will nurture us back into the communities where you want us to be living in wholeness.  You will bind up our injuries and you will strengthen our weaknesses. 
We only need to trust you.  We only need to trust in your timing, and, Lord, grant us the patience to wait for your time.  Help us to use our waiting time as rich opportunities to care for the sick, give water to the thirsty, food to the hungry, and to welcome the stranger. For whenever we do, we will likely meet the Giver of all good promises.  We will meet the Good Shepherd. It will be You, Lord God.   It will be You. 
With hearts open, we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. 


Ellen Cleaves, retired local pastor, serving in the Katahdin District