In light of some very uncertain and challenging times ahead, we gather together in solidarity as a staff in prayerful reflection. Today, we will examine and highlight a Catholic response
through prayer.
As Catholics we have a blessed gift in our
faith during times of trials and uncertainty. Sometimes the reasons for all of
our prayers are disguised as challenges for us and our families. I strongly
believe that our faith keeps us better equipped to handle those difficult
moments in our lives.
As we consider how to do life in the midst
of mass confusion and widespread fear, one of our recent stories reminded me of
Jesus’ words in Matthew 6: “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or
drink … but seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things
will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for
tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
These are vital words for us. And yet in
difficult times when the tolls of afflicted and death rise and life as we know
it has stopped, it can be difficult to actually put those words into action in
our lives and in our hearts. How do we “not worry about tomorrow” and instead
“seek Him first.”
In times of trial, doubt or uncertainty…
turn to God’s goodness. Come to the Lord in prayer. In prayer, we are reminded
of God’s truth which emboldens our strength … hope and our courage.
How do we not worry and live lives of
courage, not fear? Scripture and the dark-hours experiences of our persecuted
brothers and sisters tell us that prayer is our action point. Jesus calls us to
pray because that is where we find His presence.
Below are 10 specific prayerful messages we
can say at this time in our school community (and beyond) during this time of
uncertainty . . .
- Pray
that God would calm fears and that His people would be reminded we have a
different identity—one of courage, not of fear. Pray that the church would
be a calming presence and radiant light in the face of so much confusion
and darkness.
- Pray
that we would be people of compassion who intentionally reach out to
others in our neighborhoods and to our family around the world where
following Jesus often results in denial of community healthcare, less or
no access to medicines and social boycott.
- Pray
for world leaders as they work with healthcare organizations and the
medical community to develop next steps. Pray that all would be united for
the common good.
- Pray
with researchers and biologists as they work to develop a coronavirus
vaccine. Pray for wisdom and insight.
- Pray
with first responders around the world who are tasked with triaging,
testing, and treating increasing numbers of people. Ask God to give them
patience, wisdom and a gentle spirit as they work to navigate fears and
offer effective treatment. Hospitals are seeing unprecedented numbers of
patients with symptoms of flu.
- Pray
with church leaders as they offer insight and wisdom to their
congregations and communities. Ask God to give them opportunities to be
voices of reason, clarity and grace.
- Pray
with the families of the 5,000-plus people (as of March 14, 2020) who have
died and for those undergoing treatment. Ask God to comfort the
broken-hearted and to strengthen those who are suffering physically and
emotionally.
- Pray
for those whose jobs or hours have been cut due to economic downturn. Pray
for parents who are struggling to work and care for their children. Pray
that churches would look for ways to reach out to families in their
communities to provide for them and show them the love of Christ.
- Pray
that God’s people would be unified as one Church, and that we would look
to the lives and faith of our persecuted brothers and sisters as we
navigate fear and the unknown … that we would look to them for guidance
and for hope.
- Pray
that we as God’s people would be reminded of our hope in Christ and the
truth that our Savior who died and rose for us has already overcome the
world. Pray that we would be people who read His Word and take both His
call and His promises to head and heart.
Below
are images which call to mind and invoke a Catholic response through prayer and
action . . .
Find below a link to the
video of the song “Rescue” by from faith-based recording artist
Lauren Daigle. This beautiful song reminds us that God journeys with us through
during good times but also rescues us through the provision of love, hope and
courage during our trials, obstacles, hardship and difficult circumstances in
our lives. Below is the simple but meaningful prayer shared:
“Prayer for the ill or those facing great uncertainty”
God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to all
who wait or work in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make them the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you. Amen
Please keep mind
these prayerful messages and images as we continue to offer prayers for all who
are suffering as result of this health crisis and in need of comfort through
the power of prayer. May they and their loved ones see the goodness of
God and may they feel His presence and love in their lives. May we radiate the
love of God and may people see the light of Christ in us. May the Good Lord
always bless us!
Blessings
& peace!
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