March 18, 2020 in Devotions
Church bells toll to gather us for worship and to remind us to pray throughout the day. At St. John’s our bell tolls at noon and at 5 pm to remind us to pray. On Sundays the bell tolls at 7:55 am and 10:30 am to call us to worship. During this time when we cannot come together for worship, please pray when the bell tolls. If you cannot hear the bell, make note of these times and join us in prayer. Even though we are apart, we can still come together in prayer before God.
To begin: In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Pray these two prayers:
God, our peace and our strength, we pray for our nation and the world as we face new
uncertainties around coronavirus. Protect the most vulnerable among us, especially all
who are currently sick or in isolation. Grant wisdom, patience, and clarity to health care
workers, especially as their work caring for others puts them at great risk. Guide us as we
consider how best to prepare and respond in our families, congregations, workplaces, and
communities. Give us courage to face these days not with fear but with compassion,
concern, and acts of service, trusting that you abide with us always; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Gracious God, it is good for us to gather as your beloved in community. We treasure your
presence with us in word and meal, song and prayer. Be with us in these days when
gathering together as often as we would like is not possible. When we must be apart for
reasons of safety, we trust that you surround us with your sheltering wings. Encourage us
in connecting as we are able, reaching out to our neighbors in need and being persistent
in prayer. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our constant companion. Amen.
Add your own prayers.
Pray the Lord’s Prayer:
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.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen.