[This past week, a member of our church took over a hundred Easter goodie bags to the residents of Lindley Inn Assisted Living and Kimes Rehabilitation Center. These goodie bags were made by our Sunday School children just before we had to cancel our worship services at the church due to the coronavirus. This is just one example of how our church is continuing to serve during this time of social distancing. For the March 22 online worship service, click here.]
O God, in this season of Lent, which is also becoming known as a season of Social Distancing, continue to help us find new ways of connecting with you and with each other. While we are unable to gather together in person for worship, for Sunday School, and for other ministries in the church, you are opening up new ways to help us grow closer to you and with one another.
Thank you for these online worship services that bring us together every Sunday morning to grow in our faith. While we miss the wonderful aroma of our church’s hazelnut coffee, sitting in our favorite pew, holding a bulletin in our hands, and hearing everyone say the words of our closing benediction as one voice, we also recognize that not even social distancing can keep us from being your church. As the hymn says, “We are the church. We are the church together!”
Just as your angels ministered to Jesus when he began his ministry by social distancing in the wilderness for forty days and forty nights, send your angels to each one of us during this time of separation.
Send your angels to those who are losing their income during this pandemic. Send your angels to those worried about their loved ones who are isolated in nursing homes or in assisted living facilities. Send your angels to those who are ill and in need of medical care. Send your angels to health care providers, scientists working on a vaccine, and first responders. Send your angels to those who are in positions of power to make swift but also wise decisions. O God, send your angels to each one of us during this time of uncertainty.
As we continue our series on “The Twelve Disciples of Jesus,” help us to learn from them in what it means to follow you. Like James the Greater who learned that the cup from which you would end up lifting at the Last Supper, was not a cup of power and prestige, but was a cup of sacrifice and humility, teach us what it means to be servants in your kingdom. During this sequestered holy season of Lent and as we focus on the cross, remind us of your costly grace that offers us hope and new life.
We pray this in the name of Jesus who lived, who died, who rose again, and who taught us to say together…
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
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