Amid heightened fears in the public consciousness and calls for social distance, I encourage you to use these short meditations and prayer points as a resource to deepen our faith in this trying time and to unify us in prayer for our community, nation and world.
In Deuteronomy, as Moses prepares to hand the reigns of leadership over to his successor Joshua who will lead the work of entering the Promised Land, he encourages the people with these words:
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” [Source]
In this time of uncertainty and constant, daily change I think this is a word particularly for us as Christ our Hope. The Scriptures teach us that for those of us who have turned to Christ in faith and have been baptized, He has given us the gift of his Holy Spirit to fulfill the promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us. As my wife, Sarah said to me recently, this is one of those times where we have to ask ourselves, "Are we really going to live what we claim we believe?"
In this time of physical distancing, in the face of the uncertainties about how this global crisis may impact us personally and as we continue to face the challenges of a change in worship venue and parish leadership; remember that the Spirit is with us. He goes with us (and stays with us even if we shelter in place). He will not leave you or forsake you.
Today, take some time to lift up your fears and concerns to the Lord who is with you. Remember also the members of our community who, by virtue of their age or medical conditions, are most vulnerable.
Almighty God, grant us a lively sense of your Presence with us, save us from overwhelming fears and anxieties, and grant us grace to live what we profess; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.