A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis on April 24, 2020

April 24, 2020


A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis


During these difficult days, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and the members of the Extended Cabinet 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 God, another day has faded into history, faded into the fabric of our sheltered in communities. Each day, we hear of the increased number of victims to this disease. We continue to wonder how long it will be until we are safely able to venture out and gather in.
We like the brothers traveling on the road to the village called Emmaus are often caught up in our own feelings and circumstances of the day that we become myopic in our vision. Increase our visual and spiritual ability to see beyond our current surroundings.  Deepen our resolve to be our brother and sister’skeeper.
We all are guilty of failing to notice that the very One that can turn our situation, turn our community and yes even turn our world right-side up is with us. We seek your wisdom on this COVID road to healing and restoration. 


“Open My Eyes That I May See”
Excerpts from United Methodist Hymnal #454
“Open my eyes that I may see 
Glimpses of truth Thou has for me
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my eyes, open my ears, open my heart,
Illumine me, Spirit divine!”
As we continue this journey, open our eyes to see and appreciate our medical providers, grocery workers and emergencyresponders. Open our eyes to see parents who are struggling to ensure their children are properly educated. Open our eyes to see those persons who are not able to be present with their dying loved ones. Open our eyes to see the students whose graduations have been cancelled. Open our eyes to see what we have neglected to do.  Open our eyes to take this pandemic season seriously.
Forgive us o Lord for not seeing to our neighbor’s needs
Forgive us o Lord for not trusting in You
Forgive us o Lord for hoarding and not sharing
Forgive us o Lord.
Open our eyes to see and learn how to be better at being your beloved community.
In Jesus’s name, I pray, Amen, So Be It.

By Rev. Dr. Andrew L. Foster, III., RISEM District Superintendent
Scripture: Luke 24:13-35