Prayer Resources to be used during Prayer Weekends or anytime!

Let us pray, pray, pray!

Prayer Resources Easter Weekend 2020

(From Lectio 365 App)

Good Friday – Suffering
Pete Greig

Today is Friday the 10th of April – a particularly poignant Good Friday as the whole world seems to be mourning the mounting death-toll of this pandemic…

P.R.A.Y. – Pause. Rejoice. Ask. Yield.

Pause
As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly; to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God.

Prayer of Approach
Lord Jesus, let the reality of Your suffering on the cross and the true meaning of Your sacrifice impact my head and my heart in a fresh and disruptive way as I pray now.

Rejoice and Reflect
The opening lines of today’s psalm may sound particularly familiar because they were quoted by Christ Himself on the cross. Written at least 600 years before that first Good Friday, this psalm is a shockingly accurate premonition of Christ’s crucifixion.

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Why are you so far away when I groan for help?
Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer.
Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.

But I am a worm and not a man.
I am scorned and despised by all!

My life is poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart is like wax,
melting within me.
My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay.
My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.
You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead.
My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs;
an evil gang closes in on me.
They have pierced my hands and feet.
I can count all my bones.
My enemies stare at me and gloat.
They divide my garments among themselves
and throw dice for my clothing.

Psalm 22:1–2,6–8,12–18

Since it’s Good Friday we’re going to read much of the story of Christ’s crucifixion from Matthew 27, using the Message version of the Bible.

Along the way they came on a man from Cyrene named Simon and made him carry Jesus’ cross. Arriving at Golgotha, the place they call “Skull Hill,” they offered him a mild painkiller (a mixture of wine and myrrh), but when he tasted it he wouldn’t drink it.

After they had finished nailing him to the cross and were waiting for him to die, they whiled away the time by throwing dice for his clothes. Above his head they had posted the criminal charge against him: this is Jesus, the king of the jews. Along with him, they also crucified two criminals, one to his right, the other to his left. People passing along the road jeered, shaking their heads in mock lament: “You bragged that you could tear down the Temple and then rebuild it in three days—so show us your stuff! Save yourself! If you’re really God’s Son, come down from that cross!”

The high priests, along with the religion scholars and leaders, were right there mixing it up with the rest of them, having a great time poking fun at him: “He saved others—he can’t save himself! King of Israel, is he? Then let him get down from that cross. We’ll all become believers then! He was so sure of God—well, let him rescue his ‘Son’ now—if he wants him! He did claim to be God’s Son, didn’t he?” Even the two criminals crucified next to him joined in the mockery.

Matthew 27:32–44 (The Message)

Ask
On March 15th a 72-year-old Italian priest, Fr. Giuseppe Berardelli who had contracted the Covid-19 virus gave his ventilator away to save the life of a younger person. The device had been bought for him by his parishioners. There could be no funeral but people stood on their balconies to applaud Fr Giuseppe’s ultimate sacrifice.

Whenever we see this kind of heroism – in priests, in doctors and nurses – we are reminded of the words of Jesus “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

On the cross Jesus laid down his life for me. He paid the ultimate price to forgive me. And so I take a little time now to get my heart right, confessing any sinful thoughts words and deeds, and receiving his gift of forgiveness.

From noon to three, the whole earth was dark. Around midafternoon Jesus groaned out of the depths, crying loudly, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

Some bystanders who heard him said, “He’s calling for Elijah.” One of them ran and got a sponge soaked in sour wine and lifted it on a stick so he could drink. The others joked, “Don’t be in such a hurry. Let’s see if Elijah comes and saves him.”

But Jesus, again crying out loudly, breathed his last.

At that moment, the Temple curtain was ripped in two, top to bottom. There was an earthquake, and rocks were split in pieces. What’s more, tombs were opened up, and many bodies of believers asleep in their graves were raised. (After Jesus’ resurrection, they left the tombs, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.)

The captain of the guard and those with him, when they saw the earthquake and everything else that was happening, were scared to death. They said, “This has to be the Son of God!”

Matthew 27:45-54

The young man whose life was saved by Fr Giuseppe will never be able to repay the old priest’s sacrifice. He will wake every morning knowing that he lives because Giuseppe died. He will live differently as a result. His gratitude will never end.

I take time now to give thanks to Jesus for dying in my place and pledge my life afresh to his service.

Yield
I yield my life again to Jesus this Good Friday, echoing the famous words of Isaac Watts written more than three hundred years ago –

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ, my God.
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Closing Prayer
Father, help me to live this day to the full,
being true to You, in every way.
Jesus, help me to give myself away to others,
being kind to everyone I meet.
Spirit, help me to love the lost,
proclaiming Christ in all I do and say.
Amen.

Saturday 11th April – Easter Weekend

Faith
Pete Greig

Today is Saturday April 11th – Holy Saturday, the mysterious day of silence between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, when all creation grieves and waits.
Today we are going to consider The Cross and the Crisis of Faith.

Pause
As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly; to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God.

Prayer of Approach
Father God, the whole world seems stuck on Holy Saturday this year. We are hurting and hopeless, waiting desperately for a miracle. Like Joseph of Arimathea who gave your son his tomb when it was all too late, I give you my heart now.

Rejoice and Reflect
Today we return to Psalm 22, Christ’s cry of abandonment from the cross, but this time His desperation has become our cry, and the cry of creation too:

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from my cries of anguish?
My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.
Psalm 22:1–2 (NIV)

In today’s reading, I wait and watch with those who were faithful to Jesus, even in His death.

Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. Luke 23:50–56

It’s the Sabbath. The day on which God rests from the work of creation has become the day on which He rests in the grave from the work of recreation. I imagine the smell of those spices and perfumes prepared by the women filling their house all day. I imagine their many tears. Their hushed conversations. Their attempts to pray and the way that Psalm 22 must have haunted their souls on that day of enforced waiting.

Ask
Lord, teach me to rest. I don’t find this easy. Not just to rest physically from work, but psychologically and spiritually from my need for easy answers, instant miracles and immediate resolution. Like a child with a fever, half-asleep in my father’s arms, help me to trust even when I cannot understand.

Lord, the smell of Your burial spices seems to fill our world right now. There is death and despair everywhere. I remember before You now those known to me who are weeping and waiting for a miracle. Those people in our world who have given up hope.

Yield
As I return to the passage, I open my ears to hear Your Word, and my heart to yield to Your will once again.

Prayer of Yielding
Lord, I live so much of my life on Holy Saturday: somewhere between the cross and the resurrection. I can’t deny what You’ve done for me but I’m waiting for so much more. I know You are the answer but I still have so many questions. I’m deeply aware of the work You’ve begun in my life but I’m impatient for its completion. Today I surrender to Your apparent slowness. In the absence of easy answers and instant miracles, teach me to wait with those faithful women who attended to Your body, to trust when everything seems hopeless, and to pray.

Easter Sunday
Pete Greig

Today is Easter Sunday. The happiest and most hopeful day in history. Hallelujah! Jesus Christ has risen from the grave!
Pause
As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly; to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God.

Rejoice and Reflect
We’ve been reflecting on Psalm 22 over the last couple of days because it predicts Jesus’ death so graphically, and He Himself quoted it on the cross. But just listen to the joy and hope with which this most desperate of psalms ends. Listen out in particular for its final cry – quite a contrast to its opening cry and ask yourself is it possible that Jesus derived a hint of God’s impending victory and His own resurrection from the very psalm He quotes on the cross? I worship now with the words of this psalm, which makes sense of the whole Easter weekend.

All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before him,
for dominion belongs to the LORD
and he rules over the nations.
All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him –
those who cannot keep themselves alive.
Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the LORD.
They will proclaim his righteousness,
declaring to a people yet unborn:
He has done it!
Psalm 22:27–31

Let’s go now to that first Easter and remember the wonderful events that rewrote history for everyone everywhere forevermore.

Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
They asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’
‘They have taken my Lord away,’ she said, ‘and I don’t know where they have put him.’ At this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realise that it was Jesus.
He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’
Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’
She turned towards him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).
Jesus said, ‘Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”’
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told them that he had said these things to her. John 20:11–18

Isn’t it beautiful that the very first person to whom Jesus chooses to appear is not Pilate, not the chief priest, nor Peter or one of the other men, but to a weeping woman with a dubious past? And isn’t it exquisite that His first words are not a proclamation of power but a simple, pastoral and playful question: ‘Why are you crying?’

Ask
When Mary first sees the risen Jesus, she mistakes Him for a gardener. What does this show me about His appearance and the nature of His glory?

Lord Jesus, I ask You to open my eyes to recognise You today, resurrected in ordinary encounters with the people I meet.

Jesus tells Mary ‘Go to my brothers and tell them.’
At a time of so much crying and dying, when so many people are suddenly asking questions of faith, it is wonderful to be entrusted with the good news of resurrection hope, not just for this life but for the life to come.

I pray for those who have the privilege of preaching in churches and online communities around the world, today. Let us proclaim your life to a world in mourning with the same passion and amazement that Mary felt on that first Easter day.

Yield
As I continue with the Easter story, I open my ears to hear Your Word, and my heart to yield to Your will once again.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’ John 20:19–23

At a time when so many people are locked indoors, afraid of breathing in the Covid-19 virus, it’s interesting that the disciples were also locked indoors, feeling afraid when Jesus appeared to them and that he then breathed upon them – breathing not death but life and a commission that would change the world.

Prayer of Yielding
Holy Spirit, breathing deeply now, I receive you joyfully. I relinquish my sense of inadequacy and receive again your commission to proclaim that you live, to make disciples and even to forgive their sins in your name.

Guide Me!

Steering Wheels and Spare Tyres

Corrie Ten Boom famously asked, “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tyre?”

A spare tyre’s not much use if you don’t have a steering wheel! You need a steering wheel if you want to go anywhere.

Many of us have been thinking of Italy recently as we read the news. I thought of Italy when I read this quotation too.

The Italian verb to drive, to steer, is guidare. The verb guidare also means to guide, to lead, to shepherd.

It seems fitting in the context of Corrie Ten Boom’s words.

God’s guidance is our steering wheel as we navigate through life. We need God’s guidance every day, and we get it by talking with Him in prayer.

“Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tyre?” – that’s a question we might prefer not to answer in busy or uncertain times like this, which can test our faith as we find ourselves challenged in new ways, while unable to meet in worship or fellowship as we might normally.

In the midst of a pandemic, we might be trying to maximise the time we spend holding others up in prayer. As we think of others we consider to be more deserving of prayer than ourselves, we can potentially feel guilty about praying for our own needs.

A a quick flick through the book of Psalms is a good reminder that it’s perfectly acceptable to ask God to guide and help us personally, even in times like this. Here are the opening words from some of the first Psalms:

“…Please answer my prayer…have pity and listen as I pray” ( 4:1, CEV)
“Pay attention when I groan” ( 5:1, CEV),
“Have pity on me…” ( 6:2, CEV)
“Why are you far away, LORD? Why do you hide yourself when I am in trouble?” (Ps 10:1, CEV)
“Please help me, LORD!” ( 12:1)
“How much longer, LORD, will you forget about me?” ( 13:1, CEV)

In times of trouble, it can be helpful to think of prayer like an oxygen mask in an aeroplane.

When flying, in the event of an emergency we are asked to put on our own oxygen masks before assisting others. This is because, without oxygen, you quickly become incapable of helping anyone.

In the same way, it can be wise in challenging circumstances to begin by praying for our own needs. God’s guidance is the “oxygen mask” we need if we are to continue effectively serving others and holding them up in prayer.

Music suggestion: Guide me, O Thou Great Redeemer

Prayer for Ourselves

Perhaps start by taking a moment to thank God for how far his guidance has brought you in life:

Remembering past struggles, answered prayers, the ways God pointed you in the right direction;
Recognising how God worked for good even in challenging situations in your life;
Recalling the ways God used these difficult experiences to teach you;
Rejoicing in how His name was glorified through them.

Music suggestion: Rend Collective: My Lighthouse

You might wish to take some time to pray for:

Forgiveness and for God to reveal any areas of sin in our life we may have turned a blind eye to
Discipline and focus in prayer; enthusiasm for worship even in this time
Guidance and wisdom: for the specific challenges we are personally facing
Provision for our household: material and/or spiritual needs
Healing and revival: physical, emotional or spiritual
Urgent needs and worries: again, material or spiritual

If your faith is tested by being confined at home, by illness, worry, sudden changes to your working life or other concerns / areas of uncertainty in your life, you might equally like to try this REVIVAL mnemonic:

Current Events – Coronavirus

Jesus is the Same!

Thank God that, no matter what is going on in our world, we have the same firm hope in Jesus.
Thank God that, as the old hymn says, “Yesterday, today, forever, Jesus is the same”: he is still there to guide us and help us and give us peace.

“There is so much bad news in the world right now, but no matter what, we have Good News, and that Good News has a name, and that name is Jesus Christ!”

Music Suggestion – Rescuer: Rend Collective

Suggested Prayer

God of grace,

we turn to you in prayer in this difficult time

in which the spread of a pandemic infection has forced our governments

to take restrictive measures that limit the normal course of life,

they block our sociality and risk making us shut up in our increasingly small sphere,

but they are necessary.

God of love,

help us to maintain community bonds and solidarity with our sisters and brothers,

especially with those who are in sickness and need,

and help us to be a family for those who are without a family.

God of healing,

we pray for those who have been infected and for their family members,

give them the courage to face this moment of illness;

we pray for all healthcare workers who are spending so much

to manage this epidemic competently and generously,

for scientists who are working hard on a cure in a short time;

give them all strength and vision to face and try to stop this epidemic.

God of mercy,

allow us to live this time as a profitable opportunity to reflect on our experience of faith

and on our being part of an easy society prey to fear and discouragement in the face of adversity;

help us, despite the difficulties of this situation, to keep us united and open to others,

help us not forgetting all the other great tragedies that undermine peace and disrupt the world.

God of salvation,

we pray you to support us in fighting the chains of exploitation and injustice

and help us to maintain chains of solidarity throughout Europe;

please don’t abandon us to the fear of contagion,

but even more to the contagion of fear

for Christ Jesus our brother and saviour.

Amen

Rev. Mirella Manocchio

Additional Prayer and Worship Resources for the Coronavirus Pandemic

If you need additional prayer material on this theme, check the links below:

Praying for Helpers and Leaders

Praying for Friends, Family and Local Community – Virtual Prayer Walk

With many of us not getting out much these days, you might wish to consider a virtual “prayer walk” as you pray for friends, family and our local community.

Either:

“Walking” around your local community, using Google Maps / a paper map: you could equally do this for your birthplace / other areas that are on your mind;
“Walking” through the contacts on your mobile, address book, social media, work or school apps;
“Walking” along the prayer wall here – or on any other Christian websites you use – holding up those who have made specific prayer requests

Music Suggestion – Father I Place into Your Hands

Pray for these people as the Holy Spirit directs, and according to your knowledge of their needs.

For people we know less well, e.g. if praying through a professional contacts list, you might like to use the below prayer as a starting point:

Father-God,

I place [NAME] into your hands,

I ask you to bless and protect him/her,

To provide for him/her in every way;

To guide him/her and fill him/her with your Holy Spirit,

To give him/her peace and strength and wisdom for each new day;

To answer the prayers of his/her heart.

Thank you, LORD, for [NAME], for looking after [NAME] and his/her family and friends.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Prayer Resource

PRAYING FOR THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

You’ll need: A Bible, Worship music, Water, Soap, Tissues, Pens, Pack of plasters / band aids, Hand sanitizer

PAUSE (5 minutes)
PRAY Psalm 46 aloud
BE STILL Breathe deeply, and welcome the Holy Spirit
REJOICE (5 minutes)
PRAY Psalm 91 aloud
SING A song of worship about the greatness of God
ASK (30 minutes – 5 minutes per topic)

PRAY FOR THE CONTAINMENT OF THE VIRUS

Using water and soap, thoroughly wash your hands. Ask God to slow and halt the spread of the Covid 19 Coronavirus. Take a moment to pray for God’s particular intervention in the nations most affected.

PRAY FOR THE ILL AND ISOLATED

Using a pen and a tissue, write the names of the people you know who are self isolating or who have contracted the virus.

Ask God to make His presence felt in solitude and to protect, strengthen and heal them.

PRAY FOR PROTECTION OF THE VULNERABLE

Take a pen and a packet of plasters / band aids. Write on plasters the names of the people you know who are elderly or have an under-lying condition that may make them susceptible to the Coronavirus. Ask God to protect them from infection.

PRAY FOR LOCAL AND NATIONAL LEADERS

Place your hands on your head and ask God to give wisdom to national and local political leaders as they make decisions to protect people. Cup your hand over your ear and ask God to bring excellent advisers to guide them. Open your hands in front of you and ask God to give them the ability to communicate clearly to the public.

PRAY FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Rub sanitiser into your hands as you ask God to protect the health professionals (doctors, nurses, ambulance crews and more) caring for those affected by the virus. Ask God to give them peace, wisdom, to anoint them for their jobs and to protect them from infection.

PRAY FOR THOSE AFFECTED IN OTHER WAYS BY THE PANDEMIC

There are many people who will be indirectly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Ask God to comfort those grieving the loss of loved ones, to provide for those in financial difficulty because they are unable to work, and for business leaders as they face such unprecedented disruption to life. Pray the blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 over each group.

YIELD (10 minutes)

Pray this prayer of yielding, written by Pete Greig:

Lord Jesus Christ, we ask you to protect us from the spread of the coronavirus. You are powerful and merciful; let this be our prayer –

“Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” (Psalm 57:1)

Jehovah Shalom, Lord of Peace, we remember those living in coronavirus hotspots and those currently in isolation. May they know your presence in their isolation, your peace in their turmoil and your patience in their waiting. Prince of Peace, you are powerful and merciful; let this be their prayer –

“May your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need. Help us, God our Saviour, for the glory of your name.” (Psalm 79:8)

God of all Comfort and Counsel, we pray for those who are grieving, reeling from the sudden loss of loved-ones. May they find your fellowship in their suffering, your comfort in their loss, and your hope in their despair. We name before you those known to us who are vulnerable and scared – the frail, the sick and the elderly. [pause] God of all Comfort, you are powerful and merciful; may this be our prayer –

“He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.” (2 Corinthians 1:10)

Jehovah Rapha, God who heals, we pray for all medical professionals dealing daily with the intense pressures of this crisis. Grant them resilience in weariness, discernment in diagnosis, and compassion upon compassion as they care. We thank you for the army of researchers working steadily and quietly towards a cure – give them clarity, serendipity and unexpected breakthroughs today. Would you rise above this present darkness as the Sun of Righteousness with healing in your rays. May this be our prayer –

“ Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17)

God of all Wisdom, we pray for our leaders: the World Health Organisation, national governments, and local leaders too – heads of schools, hospitals and other institutions. Since you have positioned these people in public service for this hour, we ask you to grant them wisdom beyond their own wisdom to contain this virus, faith beyond their own faith to fight this fear, and strength beyond their own strength to sustain vital institutions through this time of turmoil. God of all Wisdom and Counsel, you are powerful and merciful; may this be our prayer –

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever – present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear” (Psalms 46:1 – 2)

I bless you with the words of Psalm 91:“Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.” (Psalm 91:3-7)

“ Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.” (Psalm 4:1)

May El Shaddai, the Lord God Almighty who loves you protect you. May Jesus Christ, His Son who died for you save you. And may the Holy Spirit who broods over the chaos and fills you with his presence, intercede for you and in you for others at this time.

“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (2 Timothy 4:18)

BE STILL

Breathe deeply, thank God for His presence and release into His hands all you’ve prayed this past hour.

(With thanks to 24-7prayer.com for the above Resource. See their website for more resources)

Prayer Resource – Breathe

Pause

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly; to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God.

Pause and pray

Prayer of Approach

Unshakable God, you are my ever-present help in times of trouble. Amidst all the isolation, grief and fear caused by this crisis, renew in me your peace, restore to me your perspective, and reveal to me your presence as I spend this time with you now.

Rejoice and Reflect

I choose to rejoice that God is firmly in control today, joining with the ancient praise of all God’s people in the words of Psalm 63:3-8…

Your unfailing love is better than life itself;

how I praise you!

I will praise you as long as I live,

lifting up my hands to you in prayer.

You satisfy me more than the richest feast.

I will praise you with songs of joy.

I lie awake thinking of you,

meditating on you through the night.

Because you are my helper,

I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.

I cling to you;

your strong right hand holds me securely.

Psalm 63:3-8

Today we are going to reflect on Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones, standing in a place of death and devastation, confronting a situation of total despair with nothing but the Word of the Lord.

[The Lord] said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.”’ So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet – a vast army.

Then he said to me: ‘Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, “Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.” Therefore prophesy and say to them: “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.” Ezekiel 37:9-14

We know by now that the Coronavirus spreads extensively through coughing, sneezing and breathing, and that it attacks the lungs. We are warned to maintain a two meter distance from one another, and to avoid breathing in close proximity for any length of time.

Breath is a powerful metaphor in the Bible for life and the Holy Spirit. In Genesis 2:7 God makes Adam by breathing into his nostrils. In John 20:22 Jesus breathes upon his disciples and says ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’. And here in this story Ezekiel prophesies breath into countless corpses turning the Valley of Dry Bones into the Valley of Resurrection.

Ask

Acutely aware as I am that the Enemy wants to attack my breath, I take a few deep defiant breaths now in God’s presence, consciously exhaling fear, quietly receiving his Spirit afresh into my body, rejoicing that the breath of God brings hope not harm, health not sickness and life to the full.

Pause and pray

I pray for those in my local hospital right now using ventilators, for those desperately needing ventilators and for those companies rushing to manufacture more ventilators in response to the sudden urgent demand.

Lord, we cry out to you in the words of Ezekiel ‘put your Spirit in these people that they might live.’

Pause and pray

Yield

As I return to the passage, I open my ears to hear Your Word, and my heart to yield to Your will once again.

Then he said to me: ‘Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, “Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.” Therefore prophesy and say to them: “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.”

Ezekiel 37:9-14

The People of God in the world today are certainly saying ‘Our hope is gone and we are cut off’, but as in the Days of Ezekiel, the Breath of God is coming again in our time to counter the Enemy’s devastation and to raise us up once again as ‘a vast army’.

Holy Spirit, I invite you to come now from the four winds to revive and resurrect us in this place of such despair. I name particular churches other than my own in my village, town or city.

Pause and pray

Prayer of Yielding

At this time of so much grieving and dying I receive God’s promise through Ezekiel again into my own life, allowing faith to rise within me for all that is to come:

Hear the Word of the Lord:

‘I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord’ (Ez 37:14)

Closing Prayer

Father, help me to live this day to the full,

being true to You, in every way.

Jesus, help me to give myself away to others,

being kind to everyone I meet.

Spirit, help me to love the lost,

proclaiming Christ in all I do and say.

Amen.

(With thanks to Lectio 365, Pete Grieg)

Prayer Resource – Connection

Pause

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly; to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God.

Pause and pray

Prayer of Approach

Unshakeable God, you are my ever-present help in times of trouble. Amidst all the isolation, grief and fear caused by this crisis, renew in me your peace, restore to me your perspective, and reveal to me your presence as I spend this time with you now.

Rejoice and Reflect

I choose to rejoice in God’s intricate involvement in my life today, joining with the ancient praise of all God’s people in the words of Psalm 139:13-17…

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body

and knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!

Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,

as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.

You saw me before I was born.

Every day of my life was recorded in your book.

Every moment was laid out

before a single day had passed.

How precious are your thoughts about me,[a] O God.

They cannot be numbered!

Psalm 139:13-17

Today, as we reflect on the importance of connection in a time of isolation, we turn to the beautiful story of Jesus healing a sick woman, imagining the changing expressions on her face and on his face as this encounter unfolds:

As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

‘Who touched me?’ Jesus asked.

When they all denied it, Peter said, ‘Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.’

But Jesus said, ‘Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.’

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.’ Luke 8:42b-48

Jesus doesn’t seem particularly interested in performing an impersonal miracle. Power short-circuits from his body and – after twelve years of suffering and shame – this poor woman is instantly healed. Hallelujah! But immediately he swings around, needing a name, scanning the crowd for a face, seeking the dignity of a personal encounter. All too often I want Jesus for his power, but he only wants me for myself. In this age of face-masks, hand sanitisers and elbow bumps his priority is touch; facial recognition; the connection of a deeper relationship.

Ask

In this time of isolation people need connection more than ever. Thinking through the day ahead, I ask the Lord to put particular people on my heart to call. To give me opportunities to smile and wave to those I might pass in the street. To help me love and listen to those I meet – even if it’s only online.

Pause and pray

I name before you now Lord those known to me who are self-isolating, asking that this may be a season in which they go deeper in their relationship with You.

Pause and pray

Yield

As I return to this beautiful story, I ask myself why this woman’s touch was different from those of all the other people in the crowd:

As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

‘Who touched me?’ Jesus asked.

When they all denied it, Peter said, ‘Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.’

But Jesus said, ‘Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.’

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.’

Luke 8:42b-48

In Jesus’ day there were strict rules forbidding the touching of anyone or anything considered ritually unclean including lepers, corpses and even menstruating women. (Perhaps this kind of regulation of touch may seem a little less strange to us now, finding ourselves forbidden from hand-shaking and hugging, required to sanitise our hands after every encounter.) This poor woman was not just sick, she was untouchable. Years of chronic hemorrhaging had brought the added stigma of isolation and shame. No wonder she ‘came trembling and fell at Jesus’ feet’. Her touch was supposed to infect Jesus, but instead His touch healed her, and His words restored her dignity.

Pause and pray

Prayer of Yielding

At this time of isolation from human touch, I take comfort today from the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:20, promising me his presence forever more:

Hear the Word of the Lord: ‘Surely,’ he says, ‘I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’

Closing Prayer

Father, help me to live this day to the full,

being true to You, in every way.

Jesus, help me to give myself away to others,

being kind to everyone I meet.

Spirit, help me to love the lost,

proclaiming Christ in all I do and say.

Amen.

(With thanks to Lectio 365 for these resources)

Prayer Weekend Resources

Please use whenever is convenient to. All those taking part this weekend (from 9pm 20th March- 9pm 22nd March) in our continuous 48 hours of prayer, will have received the timetable with the slots they have chosen.

Rise Up!

The late Dr Billy Graham said,

“We are to pray in times of adversity, lest we become faithless and unbelieving. We are to pray in times of prosperity, lest we become boastful and proud.
We are to pray in times of danger, lest we become fearful and doubting.
We are to pray in times of security, lest we become self-sufficient.”

We are to pray, pray, pray and so as a church we lift our eyes to God!
We play our part by praying our part!
We can know and experience the goodness of God, even now!
As we pray, we take our lead from Jesus who prayed continuously, even while suffering on the cross.
The apostle Paul writing to the church at Philippi, where he had once been beaten and imprisoned, tells the believers in the book of Philippians not to worry or to be anxious about anything. Instead, Paul instructs them they should pray for God’s blessing and make supplication for his protection and do it all with thanksgiving.

P – Pause
R – Rejoice and Reflect
A – Ask of God
Y – Yield to God

As you pause, light a candle if it’s safe to do that…
Remember that others around this world, around Ireland, around Galway are praying now…
Please feel free to use these resources…
Or use other readings, Bible texts and songs as you feel led by the Spirit of Christ.

Pause

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly;
to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God.
Untameable God, in this season of Lent, when so much seems uncertain, lead me to be still in Your unchangeable presence, guide me in your ways, open Your Word to me.
‘Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind’ (Psa. 26:2). Teach me to depend on You and You alone. Today, I welcome Your Spirit and listen for Your word in the wild.

Rejoice and Reflect

I rejoice in God’s strength today, joining with the ancient praise of all God’s people in the words of Psalm 108…

My heart is confident in you, O God;
no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!
Wake up, lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song.
I will thank you, LORD, among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
Psalm 108:1–3

Father into my restlessness, bring your calm.
Into my striving, bring Your peace.
Into my not knowing, bring Your I Am, I See, and I Know…
Lord, comfort me.

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:13

Jesus you said over the people,

“how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” Matthew 23:37

Open my eyes to see the details of your love within the ordinary and within the difficult of my day;
The friends and companions who support me with love, and in prayer.
The daily provision from Your hand.
The privilege, and pleasure of being able to see and hear, to touch and taste.
Settle me again with a deep understanding that as your child I am enough, that you delight in me, and that under the shadow of your wings I am always safe.
This day I ask afresh that you “drop your still your, still dew of quietness ’till all my striving cease,
so that I can then, by your grace, display within my life the beauty of your peace.”
( J. G.Whittier hymn)
In Jesus name I pray. Amen

The people of Israel called out to God when in need of God’s salvation and restoration.
“Hear us, Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock.
You who sit enthroned between the cherubim,
shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.
Awaken your might;
come and save us.
Restore us, O God;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved.”
Psalm 80:1–3

This psalm, like many others, is reminding God that He should come to Israel’s aid.
The psalmists are unashamedly bold in their urgent requests to God. They are in trouble, and their song strongly suggests that God needs to do something about it. He is the only One who can.

Ask

How honest am I with God in prayer? What do I want to ask the Lord today?
For myself. For others. For this world at this time.
I lift up my requests…
[Pray your requests]

Who do I know who needs my prayers today? Those who need help, healing, salvation and restoration – I ask without fear or shame: Lord, help them.

We turn to prayer for this land and this world at this time.

For those giving medical care…

Pray for those who work in healthcare, whether they are nurses, porters, doctors, carers, security and ancillary staff or suppliers. Pray for safety and strength as they work. Pray for stamina and resilience.
Pray for the HSE and NHS (in Northern Ireland) as staff cancel operations, reorganize services and learn how to best deal with this great upheaval.
Pray for those who have been awaiting operations and now have to deal with the disappointment of their appointment being cancelled. Ask God to grant them patience while they continue to deal with their own discomfort and pain.
Pray for first-responders who are tasked with triaging, testing, and treating increasing numbers of people who arrive in hospital suffering from the Covid-19 virus. Ask God to give them patience, wisdom and a gentle spirit as they work to navigate fears and offer effective treatment.

For those who are unwell…

Pray for those people who are presently unwell in hospital or at home and need God’s loving touch because they are suffering the effects of Covid-19. May they feel God’s power of healing through the care of doctors and nurses.
Pray that the Lord will take away the fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation from people receiving treatment or presently under quarantine.
Pray that those who are currently unwell would be patient as they take time to get better. Pray that those they live with will be protected as well. Protect their families and friends and bring peace to all who love them.
Pray for the families who have lost loved ones during this time.
Ask God to comfort the broken-hearted and to strengthen those who mourn, assuring them that God has promised to be close.

For political leaders…

Pray for political world leaders as they work with healthcare organizations and the medical community to develop next steps. Pray that all would be united for the common good.
Pray for the leaders of the World Health Organization and other important agencies as they give advice to the global community.

For church communities…

As churches do not meet in their usual buildings, pray that the congregations would still have a community heart and concern for one another.
Pray that people would be able to find a way to worship meaningfully during these challenging weeks.
Pray for church leaders as they offer insight and wisdom to their congregations and communities. Ask God to give them opportunities to be voices of reason, clarity and grace.
Pray that God would calm fears and that his people would be reminded we have a different identity – one based in faith, boldness and peace, not fear, panic and hopelessness.
Pray that the church would be a calming presence and radiant light in the face of so much confusion and darkness.
In this time of great anxiety, pray that God’s people would be ready to meet the world with the comfort and hope that only the good news of Jesus Christ can offer.
Pray that we as God’s people would be reminded of our hope in Christ and the truth that our Saviour who died and rose for us has already overcome the world. Pray that we would be people who read his Word and take both his call and his promises to head and heart.

For our local church in Galway…

We remember our brothers and sisters – students, who have been travelling home this week and are now in quarantine for 2 weeks at home.
We pray for those of us whose work/ financial situations have changed.
Those who are scared about loved ones.
Those who are tired working extra hours.
Our brothers and sisters working in medical and health care at this time.
Those who are elderly or have underlying health problems.
Family members who may be ill with other issues.
Those who have had to move from accommodation at this time.
Those with extra struggles because of mental health issues and stress.
Those with very little room as they isolate.

For those with particular and various needs…

Pray for all refugees and migrants around the world at this time, especially those living with little shelter or safety. Lord protect them and be ever present with them.
Pray for those countries that have been hardest hit by the virus so far and regions that are in lockdown.
Pray for those who are homeless at this time. Help us to be kind and compassionate to the most vulnerable in our communities and to seek out opportunities to serve them and show them our love.

Pray for those who feel troubled and anxious…

Pray for those who are anxious about their financial security as a direct result of this crisis.
Pray for people who are more likely than others to become severely ill from Covid-19 — the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. Protect them from harm and be their comfort in this time of uncertainty.
Pray for those facing financial hardship.
Pray for parents who are struggling to work and care for their children.
Pray especially for healthcare workers (and for the general workforce) as they explore childcare options.
Pray that churches would look for ways to reach out to families in their communities to provide for them and show them the love of Christ.

For Researchers and workers…

Pray for people making decisions that affect the lives and futures of our families, communities and the wider world.
Pray for the people developing better tests to diagnose the virus, vaccines to prevent it, and protocols and communication to eliminate the disease’s spread.
Pray for senior medical and scientific officers on the island of Ireland as they analyse the situation and apply their knowledge of medicine and science to this illness.
Pray for researchers and biologists as they work to develop a coronavirus vaccine. Pray for wisdom, insight and quick success in their work.
Pray for those who are involved in the production of additional ventilators and other necessary medical items at this time of emergency. Pray also for wisdom that those in management will know the priorities to adopt.

As we pray for others we remember God knows our struggles, our challenges, our lives at this time.

Yield

As I return to the passage, I open my ears to hear Your Word,
and my heart to yield to Your will once again.

“Hear us, Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock.
You who sit enthroned between the cherubim,
shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.
Awaken your might;
come and save us.
Restore us, O God;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved.”
Psalm 80:1–3

While praying this psalm, the Israelites aren’t just crying out to God but reminding themselves of God’s might and salvation. They may be lost and in trouble, but God is their Shepherd so they need not fear.
God is faithful, God is able.
He can take our fear and give us courage.
He can take our questions and give us trust and faith.

I remember the ways God has helped me in the past, the ways He has comforted and provided for me. Lord, I choose to worship You now, regardless of circumstances. I remember who You are and what You’re capable of.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.

Father, help me to live this week to the full,
being true to You, in every way.
Jesus, help me to give myself away to others,
being kind to everyone I am in contact with.
Spirit, help me to love the lost,
proclaiming Christ in all I do and say.

And

“the peace of God,
which passes all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

Amen!

[With thanks to Lectio 365 and PCI Moderator’s Let’s Pray focus for content]

Guide Me!

Steering Wheels and Spare Tyres

Prayer for Ourselves

Current Events – Coronavirus

Jesus is the Same!

Suggested Readings

Suggested Prayer

Additional Prayer and Worship Resources for the Coronavirus Pandemic

Praying for Helpers and Leaders

Suggested Readings:

Praying for Friends, Family and Local Community – Virtual Prayer Walk

Prayer Resource

PRAYING FOR THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

PRAY FOR THE CONTAINMENT OF THE VIRUS

PRAY FOR THE ILL AND ISOLATED

PRAY FOR PROTECTION OF THE VULNERABLE

PRAY FOR LOCAL AND NATIONAL LEADERS

PRAY FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

PRAY FOR THOSE AFFECTED IN OTHER WAYS BY THE PANDEMIC

YIELD (10 minutes)

BE STILL

Prayer Resource – Breathe

Pause

Pause and pray

Prayer of Approach

Rejoice and Reflect

Ask

Pause and pray

Pause and pray

Yield

Pause and pray

Prayer of Yielding

Closing Prayer

Prayer Resource – Connection

Pause

Pause and pray

Prayer of Approach

Rejoice and Reflect

Ask

Pause and pray

Pause and pray

Yield

Pause and pray

Prayer of Yielding

Closing Prayer

Prayer Weekend Resources

Rise Up!

Pause

Rejoice and Reflect

Ask

For those giving medical care…

For those who are unwell…

For political leaders…

For church communities…

For our local church in Galway…

For those with particular and various needs…

For Researchers and workers…

Yield