Introduction
We live in challenging and uncertain times that have left many anxious and fearful. These prayers and Bible readings have been chosen to help you find comfort and strength for the days ahead. In the ever-changing situation we find ourselves, let us remember that our God never changes. We read in Romans 13:8 that ‘He is the same yesterday, today and forever.’ The same God who raised Christ Jesus from the dead is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think. His love never fails, his mercy knows no bounds and he is always there watching over us.
A Morning Prayer
O God, our heavenly Father, the Lord and giver of life,
we thank you for taking care of us during the night
and bringing us safely to this new day.
As we offer ourselves to you this morning,
help us to remember that you are with us all through the day.
Grant us your strength when we are weak,
your courage when we are afraid,
your wisdom when we have hard decisions to make.
Help us to fix our eyes on you, our helper and guide;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A time to reflect…..
‘In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”
Psalm 5:3 (NIV)
A Psalm of deliverance
1 I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the LORD;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 O magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me,
and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Look to him, and be radiant;
so your faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor soul cried, and was heard by the LORD,
and was saved from every trouble.
Psalm 34:1-6 (NRSV)
A Prayer for reassurance
Keep us, heavenly Father, under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
(A Service of the Word During the time of Coronavirus p11)
A time to reflect…..
I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)
A Prayer for peace of mind
Heavenly Father, in your love and wisdom you know the fears and anxieties of all your children.
Your son Jesus Christ, said to his disciples: “Do not be afraid, It is I,” and to the tempest:
“Peace be still”.
We ask, not only for ourselves but for all others, especially our healthcare workers, that we may cast all our cares on you, for we know you care for us.
Give us peace of mind and unshaken trust in you and guide us into perfect peace.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(The Most Revd John McDowell, Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland and Metropolitan
& The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin and Bishop of Glendalough, Primate of Ireland and Metropolitan)
A time to reflect…..
‘I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.
So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27 (NLT)
A Prayer in times of isolation
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
We thank you that your love never changes.
When we are afraid you give us hope,
When we are anxious you give us your peace,
When we feel isolated you remind us that
there is nothing in all of creation
that can separate us from your love. Amen.
A time to reflect…..
‘For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.’
Romans 8:38-39 (NRSV)
A Prayer for Christ’s presence
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
(From St Patrick’s Breastplate)
A time to reflect…..
‘So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
A Prayer of hope
Gracious and loving God,
You are our comforter and our hope.
You heal the broken-hearted and rescue those who are crushed in spirit;
You give peace of mind to those who are distressed
and forgive those burdened by guilt or failure.
In the face of this current crisis,
we place our trust in you, the God of all hope.
Fill us with your joy and peace in the sure knowledge that our future is safely in your hands. Amen
A time to reflect…..
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
An Evening Prayer
O God, the giver of every good gift,
we thank you for meeting all our needs this day
and bringing us safely to this evening hour.
As we lie down to sleep, watch over us and protect us.
Grant rest to our body and peace to our mind.
We give into your hands any fears, worries or anxious thoughts,
in the knowledge that your peace will guard us and keep us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A time to reflect…..
‘‘I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 4:8 (NIV)
A closing prayer
In darkness and in light,
in trouble and in joy,
help us to trust your love,
to serve your purpose
and to praise your name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(The Book of Common Prayer 2004, page 143)