We are living in extraordinary times. Over the past few days, life as we know it has changed. Our usual routine of work, school, travel, worship services, and social gatherings have been significantly altered by the Coronavirus pandemic. The state of emergency, and the need for cautious and responsible actions have limited our goings and comings, causing many persons to be at home instead of going about their everyday normal lives.

We do not know how long this will last, or what the full effects of the Coronavirus pandemic will be. But during these times, we are drawing upon that which we know, and turning to whom we trust. We are praying, and we are trusting God. Starting today, and in the days to come, we will post a prayer every day here, on our website, and on our social media accounts. We invite you to join in and pray with us. And as you pray, remember, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to God’s will, the Lord will hear us.” (1 John 5:14)
 
We are living in extraordinary times. But we serve an extraordinary God.
Wednesday | March 18
Rev. Elizabeth Byrd

Almighty God,
 
We give thanks, for we know your presence is with us. Morning by morning, day by day, new mercies we see as you are ever faithful. Your love fills us and your grace sustains us. You are our living hope, our help in time of need, our comforter and our strength.
 
We acknowledge and confess that there are ways in which we have failed you, we have failed others, and we have failed ourselves. There are ways we have not demonstrated your love and we have not lived faithfully as your people. God we are so often distracted, and we have filled every moment of our lives forgetting to take the time to listen and follow you. Forgive us we pray. 
 
O God, our hearts are heavy. We pray for our world, for the health and safety of all persons. In the midst of our fear and anxiety, bring your peace. In the midst of uncertainty, remind us of your unchanging love. We pray for all those who are working to bring solutions, to provide safety, and to care for those most impacted by this virus. For those most at risk. For those suffering from loss of work. For those who are experiencing extreme difficulties. And for each of us, that we may rely on You in all things.
 
Loving God, plant deep within us the desire to faithfully serve you. May we be slow to anger and quick to love. May we be ready to forgive. Fill our hearts with patience and understanding. Grant us wisdom and courage as we seek to live as your disciples. We remember the life you call us to live as we pray together the prayer Jesus taught his disciples:
 
Our Father, which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come. 
Thy will be done in earth, 
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive them that trespass against us. 
And lead us not into temptation, 
But deliver us from evil. 
For thine is the kingdom, 
The power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
These special prayers for the current world situation will be replacing our regularly scheduled Lenten devotion emails. Please join us in collective prayer each day. Continue reading our originally scheduled devotions using the links below.