Prayer
News and Information
Jan. 17, 2021
A daily prayer during this COVID-19
crisis
During
these difficult days, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and the members of
the Extended Cabinet are sharing a daily prayer based
on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week.
You are
welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions.
Today’s prayer
“Commitment"
I am one of the many good people who grieve inwardly at
injustice. I thought speaking out could do nothing but alienate me from those
close by and from any opportunity I might have for changing the world. It
seems, though, that my silence has but lowered my dignity and punished my
self-esteem. Perhaps my time has come, and I must say things I hold within my
heart. I do not want to be estranged from those I love, nor do I choose
aggressiveness as my lifestyle. Yet I must talk for those whose voices are
choked with fear. This soothing quiet where I have retreated must be broken. A
deep-felt summons bids me speak my personhood. So friends, bear with me as I
voice my soul. I love you, even when we use a different language. But if you
cannot bear me, you can remember that I spoke the things I felt. Slowly,
perhaps, we may go hand in hand again someday, daring a quest we hardly dream
of now. At last, the different drummers we may hear will beat a rhythm so we can
march together! — Hazel Ailor
Speak to us O God, awaken us from our disquiet, and make us
aware of your powerful and challenging presence. We lift our hearts to you as
the source of our creation and our help in every time of need.
Speak to us O God, awaken us from slumbering spirits, and call us by name. For you alone give us life, and provide all the resources with which our lives can be meaningfully sustained. We stand in special need of an extra measure of wisdom, grace and love. Help us to see your love for all people, so that we may become more loving ourselves. We perceive ourselves to be your human children, all sisters and brothers in one great family, regardless of the distinctions which create such wonderful variety among us.
Speak to us O God, awaken us from slumbering spirits, and call us by name. For you alone give us life, and provide all the resources with which our lives can be meaningfully sustained. We stand in special need of an extra measure of wisdom, grace and love. Help us to see your love for all people, so that we may become more loving ourselves. We perceive ourselves to be your human children, all sisters and brothers in one great family, regardless of the distinctions which create such wonderful variety among us.
Speak to us O God, and forgive us for permitting the differences
that make us unique, to become stumbling blocks of division. Forgive us for not
always using our countenance responsibly. Show us the way to justice. Show us
the way to mutual respect and trust. Show us the way to a perception of one
another that transcends gender, race, or nationality. Nurture us to a maturity
that wants for others, every healthy experience that we desire for
ourselves.
As we enter into this New Year, nurture us in growth toward a
more perfect expression of love to all people, in all places, at all times.
Through penitent spirits for our own provincialism, enable us to find ways to
demonstrate the way of love through the expression of our own life. Strengthen
us as we walk in the paths of integrity.
It is in the Spirit of the one who showed us the great value and
power in love that this prayer is offered.
Amen.
Amen.
By Rev. Dr. David V. Calhoun, Seacoast
District Superintendent
I Samuel 3: 1-10 (11-20)
I Samuel 3: 1-10 (11-20)