​For those of us who regularly gather for worship on Sunday mornings, life apart feels strangely different now that we've suspended corporate worship. As the world collectively strives to figure out life in this new reality, the Church continues doing what it has always done: we pray.
This musical prayer was offered in an empty church this morning, and so it carries with it a certain degree of yearning in the midst of emptiness. The hymn Beauty for Brokenness comes from Graham Kendrick, and his words resonate powerfully with us this day: "Shelter for fragile lives, cures for their ills."
We pray for our world community: for the dead and dying as well as those who watch and wait at bedsides. For those who have recovered and are recovering. For the wisdom and compassion shown in the medical community, especially those who have devoted their energies to finding effective treatment for this new virus. And for this new phase of being distanced.... that it may bring us closer together.
"God of the poor, friend of the weak, give us compassion, we pray; melt our cold hearts, let tears fall like rain. Come, change our love from a spark to a flame."