Link to a resource about spiritual communion during the coronavirus crisis which may be helpful to people:
Rev Dr Leslie Griffiths; Lord Griffiths of Burry PortA prayer written for Premier Radio.In the darkest and most worrying moments of life, people of all ages and every culture have raised their prayers to almighty God. We do so now. This prayer is framed by words written 3,000 years ago, words from Psalm 88.Lord, our God, by day we call for help, By night we cry aloud in your presence. Let our prayers come before you. Hear our loud entreaty:For we have had our fill of woes,Which have brought us to the brink of despair.For those who are suffering from this dreadful disease, all who have lost loved ones, all those whose loss or suffering have been turned into the statistics we see on our daily news bulletins;For everyone living in fear, shut into their homes, somehow surviving on the streets; for those afraid their jobs or their livelihoods may be at stake, for those whose fear is turning to panic;For policy-makers, front-line workers, health workers and care providers, and all those working so hard to develop a vaccine;For the over 70s, those with underlying health risks, for pregnant women; for good neighbours and loving friends, for those closest to us in this time of need;Will your wonders be known in the region of darkness?Your victories in the land of oblivion?Dear Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
This Mothering Sunday, 22nd March, we are calling all churches to a National Day of Prayer and Action. At <span style="font-size: 1rem;">such a time as this, when so many are fearful and there is great uncertainty, we are reminded of our </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">dependence on our loving Heavenly Father and the future that he holds.</span>At 7pm this Sunday, light a candle in the windows of your homes as a visible symbol of the light of life, <span style="font-size: 1rem;">Jesus Christ, our source and hope in prayer.</span>Whether you are continuing to worship as congregations or not, we have the great privilege and freedom to <span style="font-size: 1rem;">be able to call upon God, wherever we are, individually and corporately, for healing in our nation. We would </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">pray for all in leadership at this time, making decisions about the containment of the COVID-19 virus, for </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">those working in health and social care, and especially for the most vulnerable, whether elderly or those </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">with underlying health conditions.</span>There are already stories being told of wonderful acts of kindness across neighbourhoods. Alongside your <span style="font-size: 1rem;">prayers, take the opportunity to telephone or email someone who is isolated, buy some additional food for </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">your local foodbank, or offer to deliver shopping for an elderly neighbour. We may not be able to touch </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">physically, but we can make connections in so many other ways.</span>In the meantime, do please attend to all the government health advice that will be issued, and look out for <span style="font-size: 1rem;">resources from your specific church governing bodies. At least for those of us in the global North, we do </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">seem to be in unusual times, and wisdom and flexibility about worship gatherings are a key part of our </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Christian discipleship during this period.</span>We note that this call to prayer and action comes on Mothering Sunday: a time of thankfulness, <span style="font-size: 1rem;">remembering especially mothers who have served us, often in very costly ways. It is also a very mixed day </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">for many. For some the remembrance is painful, and for others Mothering Sunday is a reminder of </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">disappointment or loss. In many ways, this period under the shadow of the coronavirus will be prompting </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">similarly diverse reactions and so it seems especially appropriate that the call to prayer is made this </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Sunday. At this time of uncertainty join in with the National Day of Prayer and Action, lighting a candle of </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">hope.</span>“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you” 1 Peter 5:7Presidents of Churches Together in EnglandArchbishop Justin Welby, The Archbishop of CanterburyCardinal Vincent Nichols, The Cardinal Archbishop of WestminsterRevd Dr Hugh Osgood, The Free Churches ModeratorArchbishop Angaelos of London, CTE President for the Orthodox ChurchesPastor Agu Irukwu, CTE Pentecostal President
