National Council of Churches

By Jim Winkler, President and General Secretary, National Council of Churches

We pray for our elected officials–that they would place the needs of those who have fallen ill at the center of their concern and that they would prioritize the health and well-being of their people over their own political status and advantage. 

We pray for our elected leaders that they might not themselves fall ill and awaken in them the stamina and the wisdom and the compassion needed to deal with this crisis. 

We pray our elected officials will not use this pandemic to extend their own power and punish their perceived enemies. 

We pray our elected officials will know justice and mercy and show it to the people for which they are responsible. 

We pray our elected officials will exhibit humility and not blame others for this pandemic. 

We pray our elected officials will rise to this critical occasion, forego war and strife, and seek unity for the sake of the whole world and that this Kairos moment might generate the momentum required to fight all diseases and climate change and poverty. 

We pray our elected officials will commit to fighting the giant triplets of materialism, militarism, and racism.  

We pray that our elected leaders will help to lead us into a post-coronavirus world that will be free of want, free of war, and free of fear. Under their leadership, may the people know lasting peace and good health. 

By Juanita Payne, Department of Christian Education, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; Committee on the Uniform Series, Annual Study Plan Committee

Almighty God, we know you move and work in mysterious ways. In ways we do not always understand, but we know Lord, you are either working things out for our good or working things out to get our attention. Hence, during these times of Coronavirus, Lord, you are bringing many of us not only nearer to each other, but also nearer to you. 

Most Holy One, we come before you, asking forgiveness for our actions during these pandemic times. God, we balk against the rules set aside for our health benefit, as well as for the health benefit of others who are elders, children, and those who have underlying illnesses. We realize God, that these rules are not difficult to follow, and we realize these rules have been established for such a time as this. 

Loving God, allow us to see that this pandemic is not about “me,” but it is about growing nearer to you. As it is written in your Word, help us to follow your Great Commandment: loving you, loving self, and loving our neighbors. We pray this prayer in the name of your son, Jesus, Amen.

By Keith Swartzendruber, Senior Administrative Assistant to the Convening Tables, National Council of Churches

When Jesus first revealed himself to the disciples after his resurrection, his first words were “peace be with you”. This simple greeting covered all the emotions the disciples were feeling at that time: grief, pain, joy, anger, fear, and others. Jesus speaks these words to us as well during this emotional time.

When we are grieving, Jesus grieves with us:
peace be with you,

When we are joyous, Jesus celebrates with us:
peace be with you,

When we are in pain, Jesus hurts with us:
peace be with you,

WHEN WE ARE ANGRY, JESUS RAGES WITH US:
PEACE BE WITH YOU!

when we are scared, Jesus hides with us:
peace be with you,

When we are at peace, Jesus is at peace with us:
peace be with you.

By Rev. Peter Baktis, Orthodox Church in America

I remember being told that if you have God as your Father and the Church as your mother you have nothing to worry about. I have been giving much thought to these words once spoken to me when I was at a time in my life that I thought life to be too confusing, the world too complex, and my future unknown. In these past weeks as I journeyed through Lent during the current pandemic I have seen and heard how life is confusing, the world more complex than I realized and the future is still unknown. I have seen and heard of the fears and anxieties of people who have had their world turned upside down. Changes that they never thought possible were made in a noticeably short time. As the days became weeks impatience and unrest are beginning to rise. Talk of “reopening” resuming life as it was, and yet deep in our very being we know life, as we knew it will be different. Something happened to make us realize that we have been living life, not on life’s terms but on ours. We thought we were in control and we found out that there is little we in fact control. We all are looking for that secure anchor to bring security and stability to our lives. This is where I begin to remember the words “If you have God as your Father and the Church as your mother you have nothing to worry about.”

Together we have been given the anchor that we need in our lives. The unchanging love that has been present from the very foundation of the created world.  God who has created the heavens and the earth has been with us and in search of us when we have gone astray. In the garden when we thought that we could be in control of our destiny and as disobedient children went astray, God searched for us and called our name, Adam where are you? We have the story of the prodigal child, who took all that he thought was his and squandered it. When he came to his senses, returned to the security of his Father who was waiting, searching for him from the security of his home. Christ uses the story of the lost sheep and the lost coin to reaffirm that God has remained faithful to us and searches for us when we go astray, lost in our own desires. In the gospel of Matthew, we read: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” (Matthew 23:37) This image of a mother gathering her children under her wing to protect and comfort them., together with all the other images and stories we have confirm God has been the faithful Father and the Church our faithful mother.

As I reflect upon this image of God as Father and the Church as a mother, my life flashes before me. I can remember the times of my life that I did not know if there would be a tomorrow. I questioned the judgment of those in authority over me and felt as if I had no control over my life or my destiny. I did not know the enemy face to face I only knew its destructive power, and seen lives torn apart in a flash. I questioned God and His faithfulness and mercy at times in my life. There were times when I wondered what the purpose of rituals, worship, and repeating Lord have mercy. What was the purpose of fasting, of caring for another when there may not be a tomorrow? What words can I offer a mother and a father at the loss of a child, or a child at the loss of a parent? God loves you. It will be OK? You are strong? I found that words were not what was needed, presence in silence, allowing for the emotions to be heard, and in some way allowed to be felt. I began to understand the words spoken: “Have God as your Father and the Church as your mother” in a new and real way. God my Father does not allow me to experience all of life never alone. He sent his only begotten Son to experience life on life’s terms and understands my weeping and joy. Jesus Christ has become my cornerstone. He has given me new birth in my baptism and has granted me a community to support me on my journey in life. I have the firm foundation and the comfort of being nurtured. God is my Father and the Church is my mother. Words that come alive not only in time of uncertainty but when all is well. I know from where my help comes from, and I know where I can bring my joyful thanksgivings. Yes, life is complex, and the world is confusing, and the future may be uncertain, yet I know where to find grounding and comfort. I have also grown in my understanding of the communion of Saints that we often speak of in Church. Celebrating the divine services virtually has made a new virtual reality possible for me. The words of Christ where two or three are gathered in my name has become more than just a physical reality. The focus is gathered in His Name, no matter where we may find ourselves, Christ is with us. We form the community of faith, the church triumphant and universal, not made with hands but the Spirit of God in our presence. 

As we slowly move out of the distancing requirements of this pandemic, may we take with us the new behaviors and lessons that we have learned. We need to recapture the simplicity or our daily requirements. We have come to realize what is important and discovered that we may have spent some of our time in less than purposeful ways. Life as we may have known it may change, but there is one thing in life that never changes. God is our Father and the Church is our Mother, who remains faithful and steady in the changing complexity in our journey through life. I hope that when we can come together in the same physical space, we have learned how special this gift of community is. How will we keep in the forefront of our lives how precious the gift of love and compassion that God our Father which is expressed in the community of the Church our mother. May we allow our Mother to gather us together as a hen under her wing and sing praises to our Father who is in Heaven. May we remember we are not alone in the journey of life. Blessings, Christ is Risen!

From Fr. Joseph Varghese, The Syrian Orthodox Church

St. Paul said in the book of 1 Corinthians that “There has no temptation taken you but such as man can bear; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape that you may be able to endure it.” (1Cor. 10:13) 

Our Heavenly Father, we believe that any trial or sufferings that come to us are ordered by you which is measured by you, be light and bearable. You have, in your providence, had a purpose in each and every event that happened. And also, we believe that your Justice always coexists with your love for us.  St. Paul reminds us, “You are faithful”. We knew that the Christian life is full of suffering as seen in the life of early Christianity. Christians are called to serve. In the Roman Empire at the time of early Christianity, there was a big plague, and as all the healthy Romans fled, whereas the poor Christians stayed and served the needy, even at the cost of their own lives. Orthodox spirituality taught us to understand in terms of paschal mystery. It is an affirmation of the Cross and sufferings for a joyous resurrection. 

We commit all our front line workers, healthcare professionals, and our leaders in government, to guide them properly so that they can be proper instruments in thy hands for thy purpose.

By Jane Ann Kenney, Editor of the Standard Lesson Commentary and CUS Executive Committee member

Our loving God, how majestic are you, and how beautiful the works of your hands. Thank you for the springtime blooms that remind us, even in the midst of our shared anxiety, that you delight in creating and recreating and making all things new. Give us peace in the present, hope for the future, and love to cover all our days. Lead us into your presence that we may worship and mourn and be renewed in your Spirit. Show us the work and the rest you have set aside for us. May your kingdom reign be evident in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Carmichael D. Crutchfield, Clara Scott Chair of Church and Ministry, Professor of Christian Education, Spiritual Formation, and Youth Ministry, Memphis Theological Seminary

O Lord, Our God, thank you for the cross of Christ and the power it gives for us to live in freedom from fear and brings reconciliation with God. Thank you, Jesus, that you came that we might have abundant life, free from fear. Thank you that we have received a Spirit of adoption as sons and daughters.

O Lord, Our God, Thank you that you break down all barriers and enter into every heart – that you speak peace into our fear, faith into our doubt, and hope into our despair. We pray now for those around us – members of the National Council of Churches and those who worship you around the world, we pray for our friends and relatives, for our family members, for the countless millions – who do not believe or who do not have the hope that we have.  We pray today, O Lord,  for those who those on sick lists and prayer request lists.

We pray today, O Lord, for those who have no one to pray for them this day. You know them – and we offer them up to you so that their lives may be touched by you.  We especially pray for the homeless, the hungry, the oppressed and the ignored, the bereaved and those sick.

O Lord, Our God, we pray for strength in these days of uncertainty and adversity. Help us to be models of strength and hope as your children. Help us to witness your love and grace as selfless people by helping others through your power. 

We these things through Jesus the Christ, our Risen Savior.  Amen