Day 236 | Tuesday, 10 November 2020

Day 236 - Audio Version

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Day 236 | Tuesday, 10 November 2020

 We are watching the COVID-19 cases rise each day.  We have reached over 10 million cases in the US with just over 238,000 deaths.  Western NY is now up to 4.8% which is above the 2.9% set by the governor.  As of 5:00pm on Nov. 9th the number of cases in the county is up to 1,189 with 93 active and 594 in isolation and quarantine.  There are 324 cases in zip 14701, 35 in Lakewood and 298 in Dunkirk.

 A Beginning:
“A new day to treasure, another chance to be healed.  Though we have known problems, God will see us through.  Though we have been down, God will lift us up.  Though we have been surrounded by doubts, God will restore our faith.  This is a new day to love one another, to be made whole, to sing praise to God.”

 An Invocation:
“Gracious God, we come desiring to know true joy. We long to love and to be loved; to dare to hope again; to feel our hearts quicken with anticipation of truly living. Lead us in your ways of love, that we will bear the fruits of a life with you. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.”

 A Prayer of Confession: Hosea 11:8-9
“Hear these words of Scripture: God says, "My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger ... for I am God and no mortal, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath." Indeed, God comes to us in Christ Jesus, offering us forgiveness and new life. Hear the Good News, in the name of Jesus Christ our sins are forgiven. Thanks be to God!”

 Prayer for Busyness:
“God of the Sabbath, we turn to you in this fast-paced world and take time to breathe deeply in your presence. Center us, quiet us, help us to find a place where we can take refuge from eyesores and loud noises. Make this be a sacred space for your people, where peace can become real for us. Teach us to find this quiet place not only here, but even at work and at home. For this is where we find you as we push distractions aside.
Preserve this moment, we pray, and help us to carry it with us, knowing we can find you in it whenever we wish. [pray with long silence] In your holy name. Amen.”

 A Blessing:
“May our loving God continue to hold us in the hollow of his hand. May the "living water" that Christ provides quench our spiritual thirst and provide us refreshment for our times of difficulty. As we speak of God's love to other thirsty souls, may God's Holy Spirit work within them that they may discover the peace that passes all understanding. We pray in Christ's name. Amen.”

 Quotation:
“Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again.” - Sarah Ban Breathnach