Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. …
(God said) I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you…. ~. Psalm 32:5, 8. (NIV)
Lord, in the busyness of our lives and at times overwhelming news and pressures, we want to curl up and close out all that disturbs or scares us. But you call us out to follow you, where you want to lead us.
Come, Lord, come and take our fear away; replace it with your love.
The fear of the Covid19 virus affects all aspects of our life wherever we are in the world: industry, supply of medicines, travel, social get-togethers, work and especially for those in the high-risk groups often those most vulnerable and on the margins of society. We remember especially the millions in the already overcrowded unsanitary conditions of refugee camps with very little access to clean water or health care. We give thanks for those caring for the sick, and those researching how best to combat and defeat this virus.
Come, Lord, come and take our fear away; replace it with your love.
For those suffering from climate related disasters: tornado devastation in Tennessee, USA; flood victims in the UK, Australia, Brazil, drought continuing in Yemen; ice-melting in Greenland, Antarctica, the Arctic. We give thanks for those trying to combat climate change before it is too late, and we pray for foresight and action by those in positions of power who can effect such urgently needed change. May we too consider and adapt our own style of living to be less resource-depleting and re-learn how to live in harmony with nature and each other since you have provided the Earth and its munificence for all.
Come, Lord, come and take our fear away; replace it with your love.
For migrants and refugees experiencing continuing violence, rejection, abuse and even death as they seek – as you did in your incarnation a refuge from violence and the ability to live and provide for their families. We remember the migrant children penned up in Lesbos, Greece, on the Mexican/US borders, in so many in Central and South America, Turkey, Syria, Iraq and across Africa and Europe.
Come, Lord, come and take our fear away; replace it with your love.
Lord, forgive us for looking to the lowest part of our natures rather than looking to you, the author and giver of life.
Lead us from darkness to light.
Wars and rumours of wars, rape and torture, insecurity online and in databases storing so much of our personal details, convenience and complacency taking precedence over justice and equity. Politicians and other so-called leaders think lies are acceptable means of communication if said with enough conviction and repeated loudly and often enough. Just like the Nazi propaganda minister, Goebbels.
Lord, your kingdom is one of justice and joy. Forgive our gratuitous violence to each other in thought, word, deed and inaction.
Lead us from darkness to light.
We give thanks for the billions of people who buck the publicised trend and live a hidden life of love and service. In silence, we hold them in gratitude to your healing and empowering love and light.
Help us remember that whereas some sections of the media are skewed and biased or even untruthful, Your essence is truth and light.
Lord, as we look to You for inspiration on the way to go, lead us from darkness to light.
May we rejoice in you always, however challenging our life may be. For we know in the deepest part of our soul where we encounter you, that there is no darkness where you are if we walk by faith and not by sight. We rest on your promised faithful presence as you lead us from darkness to light. AMEN
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