Day 7: "Praying Largely"

Day 7:

Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic

A series of daily reflections for the people of faith

by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor

SATURDAY 21 MARCH 2020

“Praying Largely”

I thought of this category of praying largely when I read a daily email from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA. Always filled with news of what God is doing in the larger church, this one contained a prayer from Ruling Elder Vilmarie Cintron-Olivieri and Rev. Cindy Kohlmann, co-moderators of the 223^rd General Assembly. Praying it fills us with an exercise in ‘praying largely.’ I invite you to let it fill you ‘largely’ within as you pray it today:

Eternal God, sustainer, provider,

God of all wisdom and knowledge,

our spirits are weary, our faith quivers,

our minds get clouded by news of sickness and death.

You know our thoughts before we express them,

even the fears we dismiss, you know them.

We cannot hide our feelings and worries from you.

So, as we are, we come to You, O God, asking for wisdom,

for clear minds and open hearts, for calm and assurance that,

through the crisis, You are present.

Knowing that

“the Spirit helps us in our weakness;

for we do not know how to pray as we ought,

but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words,”

(Romans 8:26)

we ask for wisdom and protection …

for medical personnel, scientists, doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians.

For those around the world considering current and other health crises.

For health care personnel and caregivers.

We lift them up to You.

We ask for clear minds and open hearts

as people navigate daily lives …

as closures, cancellations, and quarantines are enacted.

As families gather in their homes, some caring for those who are sick.

As we encounter neighbors in our neighborhoods, stores, and pharmacies.

We pray for the sick,

those who have lost or are at risk of losing jobs in the midst of this crisis,

for those whose health or social services will be or have been affected,

for those suffering the direct effects of this virus, locally and around the world.

Illumine us, Holy Spirit. Show us in what ways we can be of help

as we care for self and others.

We ask for calm, assurance, and strength.

May we all remember that in the midst of any crisis,

your grace reaches us,

your hope enlightens us, and your love surrounds us all. Amen.

Reflective scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - “Pray without ceasing.”

PRAYER REQUEST: click here to submit.