Day 69: "A Prayer in a Time of a Pandemic"

DAY 69

Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic

A series of daily reflections for people of faith

by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor

Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, Maryland

WEEK TEN: FRIDAY 22 MAY 2020

"A Prayer in a Time of a Pandemic"

From the book Coronavirus and Christ by John Piper

© 2020 Desiring God Foundation

published by Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois

“Father:

At our best moments, by your grace, we are not sleeping in Gethsemane. We are awake and listening to your Son’s prayer. He knows, deep down, that he must suffer. But in his perfect humanity, he cries out, “If it is possible, let this cup pass.”

In the same way, we sense, deep down, that this pandemic is appointed, in your wisdom, for good and necessary purposes. We too must suffer. Your Son was innocent. We are not.

Yet with him in our less-than-perfect humanity, we too cry out, “If it is possible, let this cup pass.”  Do quickly, O Lord, the painful, just, and merciful work you have resolved to do. Do not linger in judgment. Do not delay your compassion. Remember the poor, O Lord, according to your mercy. Do not forget the cry of the afflicted. Grant recovery. Grant a cure. Deliver us – your poor, helpless creatures – from these sorrows, we pray.

But do not waste our misery and grief, O Lord. Purify your people from powerless preoccupation with barren materialism and Christless entertainment. Put our mouths out of taste with the bait of Satan. Cut from us the roots and remnant of pride and hate and unjust ways. Grant us capacities of outrage at our own belittling of your glory. Open the eyes of our hearts to see and savor the beauty of Christ. Incline our hearts to your word, your Son, and your way. Fill us with compassionate courage. And make a name for yourself in the way your people serve.

Stretch forth your hand in great awakening for the sake of this perishing world. Let the terrible words of Revelation not be spoken over this generation: “Yet still they did not repent.” As you have stricken our bodies, strike now the slumbering souls. Forbid that they would remain asleep in the darkness of pride and unbelief. In your great mercy, say to these bones, “Live!” And bring the hearts and lives of millions into alignment with the infinite worth of Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Reflective question: Which line in this prayer speaks to you? Why? Spend time reflecting on it.

Reflective Scripture: Psalm 130:1 – “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice.”

Reflective hymn: “Out of the Depths” – Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Out of the depths I cry to you; O Lord, hear me calling.

Incline your ear to my distress in spite of my rebelling.

Do not regard my sinful deeds. Send me the grace my spirit needs;

Without it I am nothing.