No.89 May 2020
This month our focus is on the world and the church in the midst of the Corona virus pandemic.
Please pray for:
- The world leaders, that the advice they receive may lead them to make the right decisions to bring the spread of the Corona virus under control
- Those in leadership in our country, Boris Johnson, his cabinet, all our MPs and local politicians and those advising them.
- All those sick with the virus, that they will receive the expert treatment and the equipment they need to help them recover.
- Those who are dying and those who have died without the comfort of family around them.
- Those caring directly for the sick; doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, all hospital staff and especially at this time those from our own communities and those known to us. That they will receive the protective clothing and masks necessary to keep them safe and know how much we value their sacrificial work.
- Those in the nursing and care homes in our area that they will be kept free of the virus.
- All key workers, pharmacists, home carers, teachers, childcare providers, shop workers, delivery drivers, and all those involved in keeping those of us at home safe and supported. That they will be kept safe and well and that as we see them going about their work we show them our appreciation.
- Those in all parts of the world working to find a vaccine which will protect us all and particularly the vulnerable.
- Volunteers offering help with shopping and collection of medication.
- Those working from home
- Those helping to home school their children. That they will have the resources they need and patience when things become difficult.
- All finding social isolation difficult, especially those living alone. That we will not forget them but keep in contact with them by telephone and e-mail.
- Families separated by distance and isolation, unable to offer the care and support they long to give each other.
- All those in leadership in churches of all denominations and of all faiths, and in our Anglican Communion, Archbishop Justin, Bishop Steven of Oxford, and Bishop Olivia of Reading.
- Our Clergy and Ministry teams as they learn new ways of delivering worship using the internet and those using their technical expertise to make these services available to us.
- All those who lead the worship and those who watch from home.
- Those who do not have access to the internet that we will not forget them and find ways to share something of the services with them.
- Those in our Parish offices sending out information and helping us to remain in touch as community although we cannot meet with one another.
Let us give thanks for:
- The time to appreciate afresh the breath-taking beauty of nature and rediscover a simplicity of life, dwell in the present moment, value each other and the world around us.
- The time now in our isolation to meet Jesus as for the first time, alive and present to each one of us, full of grace and truth.
Prayer
Keep us, good Lord,
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