A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis for October 1, 2020

October 1, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis
During these difficult days, members of the Commonwealth East 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
Almighty and everlasting God, through your servant Moses you gave us a set of regulations that we, your children, should follow in the living of our lives.  The Psalmist confirmed the wisdom of following your commandments:
 
“The law of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent.  The statutes of the Lord are just and rejoice the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light to the eyes. … The judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. By them also is your servant enlightened, and in keeping them is great reward.” (Psalms 19)
 
You sent your son Jesus into the world in an act of love to expand and personalize your commandments and to emphasize the importance of loving you and loving one another. Jesus taught that the kingdom of God would be given to the people who live a life of faith and love as they seek to follow your commandments. (Matthew 21:33-46) The apostle Paul sought a righteousness based not on the law but on faith in Christ. (Philippians 3:4b-14)
 
We find ourselves living in ever more challenging times when loving our neighbor is more necessary than ever but often more difficult because of the pandemic and the political differences among us. Forgive us, dear Lord, when we have failed to love in these times as you have commanded us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and help us to activate our faith and share with others the love you have shown for us. Amen.
 
By Richard Morris, Church Council Chair, Sudbury UMC (Sudbury, MA)