Note from Liz: As we watch the world struggling to come to terms with a new challenge, we too are making adjustments in our worship and habits. Every change we make is done as thoughtfully as we can out of love for our neighbors and our community. And, inevitably, change generates thoughts and ideas and questions. Over this next season I would LOVE it if you would take some time to reflect on how you are processing these changes. Read earlier reflections here, and send me your thoughts! The following prayer was written by Weber .
Those who dwell in the shadow of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
- Psalm 91:1
Father, in spirit I join with my brothers and sisters who at this hour are interceding for us all in this time of great crisis. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Shield your beloved sheep, Faithful Shepherd, so that we would not give way to fear, nor fall to the enemy in spirit, soul or body, though all around us people might be panicking and at the point of perishing. We could not have conceived of our world being in the grip of such a dire threat a few short weeks ago, but you knew all along that this was coming. You knew when it would begin, when it would come upon us in full force, and you have total sovereignty over how and when it will end, for you, Jesus have been given authority by your Father in all of heaven and earth.
You hold the keys of Death and Hades because you triumphed over death by death when you cried out, “It is finished,” and when you took your final breath on the cross, you descended to the realm of the dead, stormed the gates of hell, liberated its hostages and rose rejoicing with your emancipated people to immortal glory and eternal joy. Weeping may stay now for the night, but when your resurrection morning comes, it will sweep away every trace of disease, decay, despair and death, for behold, you will create new heavens and a new earth, where the former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. And at that time we will drink with you the new wine of our Father’s kingdom, we will feast with you on the delights you have prepared for your faithful ones from before the earth’s foundation, you will lead us to springs of living water, wipe every tear from our eyes and turn our morning into dancing. For your life, Jesus, is indeed the light that shines through our darkness, and we now agree as a community interceding for our broken world, that this darkness will one day be banished forever. Amen!
~ Weber Ivy