Holy Spirit guide us.
Noise, fear, anger, surprise – constant and unrelenting – scrambles our focus, feeds our anxiety.
And we feel lost, wondering which way to go.
Show us your ways.
Ways of love, of courage, of compassion, of self-control.
Calm our troubled spirits and grant us wisdom.
Help us to follow where you would lead.
Amen.
This prayer is by the Right Rev. Richard Bott of The United Church in Canada and being shared through various churches.
“In this time of COVID-19, we pray:
When we aren’t sure, God, help us be calm; when information comes from all sides, correct and not, help us to discern; when fear makes it hard to breathe, and anxiety seems to be the order of the day, slow us down, God; help us to reach out with our hearts, when we can’t touch with our hands; help us to be socially connected, when we have to be socially distant; help us to love as perfectly as we can, knowing that ‘perfect love casts out all fear.’
For the doctors, we pray, for the nurses, we pray, for the technicians and the janitors and the aides and the caregivers, we pray, for the researchers and theorists, the epidemiologists and investigators, for those who are sick, and those who are grieving, we pray, for all who are affected, all around the world…we pray for safety, for health for wholeness.
May we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked and house those without homes; may we walk with those who feel they are alone, and may we do all that we can to heal the sick—in spite of the epidemic, in spite of the fear.
Help us, O God, that we might help each other. In the love of the Creator, in the name of the Healer, in the life of the Holy Spirit that is in all and with all, we pray. May it be so.”
Amen
“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.” O Holy Night (a Christmas carol)
Lord your birth reminds us that amidst the anxiety, fear, anger, and disappointment of our political life, there is hope. We have the opportunity to change our ways, to seek truth, to offer compassion, to pursue justice, to speak with kindness and civility even where we don’t agree. One person can shine a light into the darkness and together we create new patterns and a better future for all. Show us your ways O Lord, teach us your paths, and strengthen us for the year ahead.
Amen
Prayers For Our Country 