Day 244 | Wednesday, 18 November 2020

Day 244 - Audio Version

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Day 244 | Wednesday, 18 November 2020

 The national figures for COVID continue to rise at a concerning rate.  It is difficult to listen to the Doctors and Nurses from hospitals that are overwhelmed begging for help.  It seems that every day brings a new record total of cases.  The thought of refrigerated trucks being used as morgues causes my to heart ache.  Once again, we join the chorus of when will it end?  We are thrilled to hear the progress around a vaccine even though it will be months before we receive it.  As of this writing we are approaching 250,000 deaths in the US. 

In Chautauqua County the numbers are now: as of 11/17/2020 at 4:45PM total number of cases 1,379 with 159 active and 1,073 in isolation or quarantine.  There have been 366 cases in zip 14701, 38 in Lakewood, 318 in Dunkirk and 273 in Fredonia, 16 deaths.

 A Prayer for help in times of crisis:
“Oh God, we are dismayed and perplexed by crises far in near, crises beyond our control, crises beyond even our comprehension. We feel ignorant and powerless. We are consumed by self-doubt. We also wonder sometimes, guilty, whether you care at all and why you do not help. Remind us that you have never promised to make life easy for your children. Strengthen our faith in you, that we may perceive any crisis, wherever it may be occurring, as a prod to our consciences and a challenge to our compassion. Empower us to do what we can to translate compassion into action, to secure a fair deal or at least a sporting chance for everyone. And show us that, with your help, we can always do more than we think we can to overcome or at least control crises.”

“God of our life: We commend to your tender care loved ones and friends who are struggling with serious illness. Sustain them and, if possible, restore them to health. We also pray for some who are trying to escape from responsibilities through illness. May they be nerved to face reality and grow up. And we pray for others who are walking even now in the shadow of death. May they be strengthened to bear what sooner or later we all must bear. In their ultimate crisis, may they have the comfort of the companionship of him who endured the shock of birth and the agony of a cruel death to be enthroned, by you, as Lord of death and life. We turn to you, in faith, in his powerful name. Amen.”

 A Prayer of Intercession
“God of love, we come in confusion, grief and even numbness. Help us to breathe deeply in your Spirit, to feel you in our hearts and minds, to know that you carry us even as we stumble.”

“When we cannot think for ourselves, guide us. When we do not know what we are feeling, care for us. When we do not know what to do next, show us the way.”

We pray for those suffering from and those dealing with the corona virus especially at this time and lift them to you.  [silence] Grant us your peace. Amen.”

 Psalm 46 NRSV  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
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2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth!" 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.