Dear Members of St. Martin’s,
During the “offering moment” in our virtual worship today, I shared a quote I described as a “prayer” of St. Francis. It really is more of a blessing, a hope and a prayer—all mixed into one. With that said, as promised, here it is. I think it is a timely piece for this season of Coronavirus. I hope it blesses you as it has so many others over the generations of the Church.
Be At Peace
Be at peace. Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life; rather look to them with full hope. God, whose very own you are, will deliver you from out of them. He has kept you hitherto, and He will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will bury you in His arms. Do not fear, what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and every day. He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations. Through Christ our Lord; Amen.
Stay close to our webpage, and open and read (or watch!) the emails sent to you. Your Clergy team is working hard to try and connect to you, connect each of us more fully to our heavenly Father, and in doing so, of course, connecting us all more deeply as the Body of Christ.
Bless you,
The Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr.
Rector
A Prayer for Those Treating the Sick
Father,
We come to pray for those who are caring for the sick. It takes a kind and selfless heart to care for those who are sick, and so Father we pray for them. We pray that You would be their source of rest, their source of replenishment when weary, and their source of hope in such overwhelming times. Lord we know in
Luke 6:38
that whosoever pours out shall be given back in proportion, so we pray blessings upon these caregivers. We also pray for their health that they may not fall ill. Father protect them with a hedge of protection against the germs of coronavirus and help those who are giving to be protected as they nurse others back to health. Bless them, oh Lord.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
A Prayer for Those Who Are Worried about the Spread of the Coronavirus
Father,
Worry and fear are not of Your heart.
1 John 4
reminds us that perfect love casts out all fear, and we pray Your perfect love upon the hearts of all those who are burdened with the fear of this virus. Lord, we know with no doubt that You are bigger than the threat of anything, especially illnesses. Please comfort those who are living in fear, please free them from the bondage that anxiety creates within. Remind them that You are still on the Throne and that You are still in control. Fully rain down the serenity that comes only from the Prince of Peace. Help those who are living in unease to trust You in this time so that in times to come we may rest assured that You will be faithful to be with us until the end of the age. We rest at the Throne of the Almighty such fears and cast them upon You (
1 Peter 5:7
), for Your burden is Light and Your Yoke is easy (
Matthew 11:30
), we know You cover us with Your wings (
Psalm 91:4
).
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
A Prayer for Those Who Are Ill with Coronavirus
Father God,
You are the ultimate Healer. Father, we come before You to pray for those infected with this virus. We pray for not only their healing but for them to be comforted while they heal. Lord, please eradicate every ounce of this virus from their bodies. Please heal every cell in their bodies, every infected part of their being. We pray for no lasting effects in their bodies from this illness. Father, please heal them inside and out and provide them with the medical care they need, with the medications they need, and with the healing not only physically but spiritually so that they may live life and life abundantly ahead.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
