Let’s Connect – Week of April 5, 2020

Opening Prayer: Roman Catholic Opening Prayer for Votive Mass to end the Pandemic

“Almighty and eternal God, our refuge in every danger, to whom we turn in our distress; in faith we pray look with compassion on the afflicted, grant eternal rest to the dead, comfort to mourners, healing to the sick, peace to the dying, strength to healthcare workers, wisdom to our leaders and the courage to reach out to all in love, so that together we may give glory to your holy name." Amen.

Musing:

This evening I want to do this devotion a bit differently. Instead of a single scripture passage and a few words from me I want instead to have us share in a bit of a lessons and prayers time as we move into and through Holy Week.

So, take a few deep breathes…relax…allow your mind and body to just settle into your chair…breathe…let the Spirit come…breathe…

Prayers for People Affected by COVID-19

Let us pray for people who are infected with COVID-19 or facing quarantine. Jesus, during Your ministry on Earth You showed Your power and caring by healing people of all ages and stations of life from physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. Be present now to people who need Your loving touch because of COVID-19. May they feel Your power of healing through the care of doctors and nurses.

Take away the fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation from people receiving treatment or under quarantine. Give them a sense of purpose in pursuing health and protecting others from exposure to the disease. Protect their families and friends and bring peace to all who love them.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. —Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Let us pray for people at higher risk of developing the disease. Dear Lord, we lift to You our concern for people who are more likely than others to become severely ill from COVID-19 — the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. Protect them from harm and be their comfort in this time of uncertainty and, for many, preventive isolation from loved ones.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. —1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Let us pray for medical professionals, caregivers, and researchers responsible for fighting the new coronavirus. God, as more people get sick, healthcare workers and first responders are working longer hours with fewer supplies and with more risk of contracting the new coronavirus themselves. Renew their energy and sustain them on long shifts. Bring Your protection upon them as they work with patients. Multiply their supplies so they have the protective items needed to stay safe on the job.

Inspire and invigorate the research doctors developing better tests to diagnose the virus, create vaccines to prevent it, and identify protocols to eliminate the disease’s spread.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. —Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

Let us pray for leaders responsible for making decisions about the new coronavirus. Father God…Mother God, we seek Your wisdom daily. Be with people making decisions that affect the lives and futures of our families, communities, countries, and the wider world. Especially be with our Bishop and the other leaders of our Area and Conference. We pray that they communicate clearly, truthfully, and calmly — with each other and with the public — and that their messages are received and heeded. May truth and empathy be the touchstones of people setting policies for our protection.

[God] has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and [God] will deliver us again. On [God] we have set our hope that [God] will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers …—2 Corinthians 1:10-11 (NIV)

Let us pray for families adjusting to new ways of life. Holy Spirit, as families adjust to everyone being home as businesses and schools remain closed, we ask that You guide people in their new realities. Give spouses grace for each other. Prompt worn-out parents to speak words of kindness and encouragement to their children. Help children find creative ways to experience the beauty of all You have created and continue learning. Protect those who are forced to live with an abuser and help the abuser to gain control of themselves.

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. —Psalm 57:1 (NIV)

Let us pray for business owners and families facing financial stress. Jesus, we thank You for Your faithfulness in how you have guided and equipped people in their jobs and have provided in the past. It can be scary and overwhelming not knowing how bills and obligations will be met or to not be able to provide for families. As people feel financial strain during the uncertainty, bring them comfort and peace, reminding them that You are there for them. Provide for them in their times of need. Help us to provide for them in their time of need.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. —John 14:27 (NIV)

Let us pray for grocery store workers and delivery drivers. Lord, we are so grateful for all the people who continue to work each day so that people can eat. We ask that You bless and protect them as they serve. Give them grace to handle disgruntled customers during supplies shortages. Keep their bodies healthy as they unload and stock boxes of supplies. Keep their cars and trucks running smoothly as they deliver needed supplies and food people have ordered online. And please protect them all from contracting the new coronavirus.

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. —Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

Let us pray for the disease to stop spreading. Almighty God, we know that everything is in Your sovereign control. We ask that You keep this new coronavirus from continuing to spread. Give government officials the ability to safely handle people arriving from other countries. Help people decide to stay home instead of traveling or going out needlessly. Holy Spirit, remind people to wash their hands properly. And while it may be heartbreaking, comfort families as they decide to keep their distance from elderly or other high-risk family members.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea …—Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV)

Let us pray in silence for all those we have not mentioned impacted by COVID-19 and for those we know personally that are sick, anxious or at risk…

God in your mercy, hear our prayers!

Adapted from: “Prayers for People Affect by the New Coronavirus” taken for the website: https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/prayers-people-affected-new-coronavirus

The agenda for the gathering is:

• Welcome
• Share prayer requests with chat feature
• Please stay muted until you want to speak
• Stay or leave as you wish
• A brief devotion
• Report about what is happening in the district, conference, episcopal area and denomination as a whole
• Extension society grants of $500 to each church. There are limits on how it can be used but I know you can find a way to use it that fits within that framework. Hopefully you have identified how you will be using this grant. Remember to take a picture and send it and a line or two about how you used the grant to me.
• The Ministry Leadership Team of the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference has instituted a project “Grocery Gift Cards for Families.” You will be hearing more about this from the regular channels of communication and the Innovation and Vitality Team of the Greater NW Area will be assisting with some training that will help not only those involved in this project but all of us as we seek to connect with our neighbors.
• I know I’ve said this every time we’ve gathered but I really want you to check your websites and Facebook pages and try hard to get them up-to-date and make sure they are communicating what is happening now and your church’s care and compassion for your larger community. These are critical tools and are your face in the community.
• Decision about Annual Conference will happen just be patient
• Decision about what will happen after April 30^th will depend upon what health authorities, government officials and Governors do. As soon as something is known you will be informed.
• Remember that the Greater Northwest Area Website has a lot of resources to help you maneuver through these times, make sure and check it out. https://greaternw.org/
• A time for Q and A
• An opportunity for you to share something you've experienced which is life-giving or a time when you saw or participated in God's love being made real
• Closing blessing