We are entering another week of distancing that requires us to work from home, teach from home, and wait under the pressures of what is and might be. Patience runs short, and anxieties simmer in these "Groundhog Days." So, let us pray with and for one another that our first impulse be to start and continue our days aware of the presence of our eternal Father and all he brings with him.
The following is adapted from a prayer by John Ballie.
Eternal Father of our souls, let our first thought today be of you, let our first impulse be to worship you, let our first word be your Name, let our first action be to kneel before you in prayer.
For your perfect wisdom and perfect goodness;
For the love you have for all people;
For the love you have for us;
For the great and mysterious opportunity of our lives;
For your Spirit, who dwells in our hearts;
For the gift of a spirit of power, love, and sound mind;
We praise and worship you, O Lord.
Do not let us think that our worship is ended when this prayer is finished, and then spend the rest of our day forgetting you. Rather, from these quiet moments, let light and joy and power pour out and remain with us through every hour of these days.
May the light and joy and power:
Keep our thoughts pure;
Keep us gentle and truthful in all we say;
Keep us faithful and diligent in our work;
Keep us humble in our opinions of ourselves;
Keep us honorable and generous in our dealings with others;
Keep us kind in our interactions with those in our homes;
Keep us mindful of our eternal destiny as your children.
O, Father, you have been the refuge of your people through many generations; be our refuge in every moment and every need that we face during these days. Be our guide through all uncertainty and darkness. Be our guard against all that threatens our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Be our strength in times of testing. Cheer our hearts with your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.