We are part of something much bigger when we pray together! This week we have been reminded that there are other overwhelming needs for us to lift up in prayer. As well as praying for the strength needed to get through this Covid health crisis, will you join me tomorrow to also pray for Nova Scotia and the people there? There is a special place in my heart for Nova Scotia because I attended seminary there; met my husband Bob there; and was ordained to Christian ministry with Bob while there. We served as pastors in churches there and both our daughters were born while we lived in Nova Scotia. We have heard of the tragic events in Nova Scotia over the weekend with the shooting rampage that occurred. Already, as we have been praying together, we have recognized that Jesus is with us in the most difficult of times. People whose lives have been turned upside down by this horrific act need our prayers. At our house, we are leaving our porch light on as a symbol of supporting those who struggle with broken hearts in Nova Scotia. People continue to struggle with the effects of the corona virus. Wherever there is struggle, God is there and as we pray we activate His loving response. We shine His light into the darkest of places when we pray. Wednesday April 22nd at 1 pm you can pray with others this prayer and then add your own prayers:
Our God, sometimes when we come to You in prayer it is hard for us to find words to express what we feel. Your Son Jesus, came to be the Light of the World. We so need Your light to shine in the darkness of what people in Nova Scotia have experienced. We look to You to surround these people with Your love and light. We think of those who have lost loved ones and pray for Your comfort. We think of families who have been devastated and pray for hope. We think of those whose safety has been threatened and pray for security. We think of communities that would want to gather to hold each other as they grieve and cannot at this time. We think of law enforcement and first responders and forensic teams who will deal with the aftermath of this trauma for a long time to come. We think of those who will wonder about faith in You in the midst of this. In all the places where there is darkness and despair please shine Your light that cannot be extinguished. And God we do continue to pray for all that has been happening in our lives and in our world because of this global pandemic. Thank you that we are getting reports that the number of cases seems to be levelling where we live. We are grateful that measures taken and our prayers are bringing about this result. We keep praying that this virus will be brought under control. In places where the ability to respond and to treat and to help people is limited, we pray for help that is needed. We pray for wisdom in the pacing of when to begin to ease back into former routines. We are concerned that this not happen prematurely and result in another upsurge. We ask for courage for all frontline workers. We have been hearing that Covid19 is still such a serious crisis in long term care homes and so we pray to see this dealt with effectively; for lives to be spared; and for both residents and staff to be made safe. Lord, please give us patience as we deal with the ongoing need to isolate. We find ourselves wondering what the future will look like and know that it is not possible to make plans because so much is uncertain. In all of this we pray with gratitude that Your light does shine and the darkness cannot overcome it. Please show us how to let our light of faith in You shine wherever we are so that no one will feel alone and so that attention will be drawn to You. We have come to realize how necessary it is to come to You in prayer as we do now, depending on You completely, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.