Pray- March 25, 2020

Scripture: John 1:9; Luke 1:26-38

Pray the following prayer: O God of the ocean and of my heart, you hold the waves of my feelings in the palm of your hand. You are the God of Big feels and of holding me when I feel small. You know the depth of my emotions and all that bubbles up inside of me. Sometimes I remember that you and I are together, never apart; and other times I wonder where you are. Help me hold tight knowing that you are never far from me. You are as close as the air in my lungs and sure as the tide that pulls in and out again. You are the God of the raging sea and all that tosses and turns inside of me. Amen.

Many people around the world are lighting candles (battery or real) and putting them in their windows to stand in solidarity and prayer with one another during this health emergency. It is fitting that we light candles tonight when we remember the Annunciation, of Mary’s saying “yes� to God that she will bring Jesus into the world – the Light of the world. Here is a prayer that comes from The Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney in the Scottish Episcopal Church. They invite all the faithful to light a candle in their window “as a visible symbol of the light of life, Jesus Christ, the source of hope in this life,� and say a special prayer for the concerns of the world.

For all that is good in life, thank you,

For the love of family and friends, thank you,

For the kindness of good neighbour and Samaritan stranger, thank you.

May those who are vulnerable, hungry or homeless, experience support,

May those who are sick, know healing,

May those who are anxious or bereaved, sense comfort.

Bless and guide political leaders and decision-makers, with wisdom,

Bless and guide health workers and key workers, with strength and well-being,

Bless and guide each one of us, as we adapt to a new way of living.

And may the light shining from our windows,

across road and wynd, glen and ben, kyle and isle,

be reflected in our hearts and hands and hopes.