A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis on May 4, 2020

May 4, 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

​
​Holy One,
Source of my faith, continual learning and understanding,
Thank you for this day. I want to rest my being in you.
In the old days that ran together, we would ask ourselves: What’s the difference in a day, anyway?
We could not recognize ourselves as your people.
We were nothing but stones in the road – trod on by fate, flight, and fancy.
But now we understand that we are your people, chosen and alive.
Now we are your people who see – empowered by your grace and love.
Living stones to be built into a temple of love, justice and mercy.
Living stones humbly building with loving kindness, friendship, and service.
Guide our thoughts into actions so that we can find ways to bring your blessing
to those around us.  
You call us to this mission.
Forgive us when we lose the plot and keep getting sidetracked by impatience, lies, resignation, fear, and blame. 
How can we confront the loss of our collective living as families, as workers, as communities, and as people connected to those living around the world?
When Stephen understood your presence with him even in the midst of a terrible death, he knew that you were with him.
When Jesus called to you and trusted your work even in the midst of crucifixion, he knew that you were with him.
In the uncertainty of our emotions, the exposing of our systemic injustices, the devastation of lost jobs, and even in the midst of death, we give thanks for our knowing that you are with us – for never letting go.
Loving God, you call your Easter people to practice resurrection.
I will quiet my heart and mind.
I will listen.
O God, reveal yourself to me this day.
In my life, right here, right now, on this day, in this very moment …
I will let you write your hope on my heart.
Amen.
Rev. Ted Crass, President, United Methodist Foundation of New England
Scripture: 1 Peter 2.2-10, Acts 7.55-60, John 14.1-14