Prayer is always our first and most important means of finding guidance and comfort no matter where we are in life.
Yet certain situations no doubt call for greater urgency and intentionality in our prayer efforts. The current state of world affairs represents one such situation. We trust our church family has been praying throughout this experience, but our hope through this special “call to prayer” is to unite these efforts and to become all the more fervent in seeking God in the midst of uncertainty.
SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER
Join your RRUMC church family every Saturday from 3 to 4 PM for an hour of communal prayer. You (and your family) can either walk physically and enjoy God’s nature while praying or do so from the comfort and safety of your own home. During these challenging times, our church can make a commitment to join together in prayer to make a difference! Whether praying from home, or enjoying the splendor of a prayer walk, we offer the following ideas and material to guide your prayer time. If you so choose, you can easily print the following text and carry it with you as you walk and pray.
Prayer Suggestions:
Vaccine – for a safe and effective vaccine to be developed
Our world – for a united global effort
Individual countries – for those hardest hit or most vulnerable
The USA – for our own beloved nation
Individual states – for those hardest hit or those lacking resources to combat the virus
World leaders – for wisdom and clarity in making pivotal decisions, and for strength and endurance
US, state, and local governments – for strength to overcome scrutiny and for wisdom, for the courage to rise to the occasion, steadiness to lead in difficult times
Medical professionals and healthcare workers – for personal health and safety, endurance, outside support, a pervading peace
Police officers – for steadiness and composure, wisdom to lead in unique circumstances, and for affirmation and encouragement from those whom they serve
COVID 19 victims – for healing, trust in those providing care, an outpouring of love and support from others Church leaders – for wisdom to minister in new ways, courage to speak on God’s behalf, channeling His love and peace
RRUMC church family – for faithfulness in seeking God individually, openness to new ways of seeking God together, discernment to support one another in difficult times
RRUMC staff and leadership – for leaders, staff, and clergy of RRUMC, for the wisdom and vision to continue to help people meet Jesus Christ in the midst of their stories, now in new ways dictated by the pandemic
Ourselves – for patience and peace as we accept the current realities of life in the midst of a pandemic
Our families – for patience and renewed closeness for those “locked down” together, comfort and commitment to new means of interacting for those who are separated
Our friends – for strength and perseverance for those in difficult circumstances, our love and support to be felt across space and time
Racial harmony – for love and harmony to prevail over racial tension and divides
Those battling illness or disease – for those who are struggling through “other” medical issues in the midst of a pandemic
Those battling addiction – for those struggling with addiction in a time of heightened anxiety and depression
Those with mental illness – for those who constantly battle the effects of mental illness, now seeking to do so amidst the greater strains of a pandemic
Those dealing with homelessness – for safety and health while in homeless shelters or alternative places of shelter, and for opportunities for improved circumstances and the strength to pursue them
Christian missionaries – for the health and well-being of missionaries around the world, as well as success in impacting their local communities with the love of Christ during these vulnerable times
Difficult work conditions – for those whose jobs have become more difficult amidst pandemic conditions, and for the health of those who are put at greater risk for contracting the virus
Financial impacts – for business owners who are in financial crisis due to the impacts of COVID-19, those facing layoffs and/or financial hardships, those struggling to pay rent, utilities, or cover household expenses
Expectant mothers and fathers – for those in the midst of a pregnancy, and their unborn child, with additional complexities and health concerns created by the pandemic
School personnel – for all school personnel on all levels as they strive to provide a meaningful education in a safe manner for all involved
Students – for students of all ages as they navigate the changing nature of learning, school schedules and formats, and social implications
Parents of students – for parents who are adjusting to changes in their children’s schooling situations, navigating the complexities of online school, and/or finding childcare for children who are now attending school online
Twice Blessed Free Store – for the leaders and volunteers of the Twice Blessed Free Store and our community of shoppers as the store continues operations under the new procedures dictated by the pandemic
Model Prayer:
Gracious and ever present Lord…
We thank you for the many gifts you bestow upon us. We acknowledge that, despite the new normal to which we are all adjusting, you remain the same, yesterday, today and forever. We admit that it has been a struggle with the challenges of constantly changing our routines and not seeing those we love. Yet, in your Word, you remind us repeatedly that you never leave nor forsake us. Open our hearts to find the special and holy moments that are intertwined within the many frustrations and the often overwhelming fear that marks these tenuous times. May we find the beauty in your nature, and the peace, and solitude, and the calm in this slower lifestyle. Gently mold and shape us into the loving people you can use to help us move forward. We praise you for your constancy and unchanging love.
In the strong name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Some Scriptures that may Comfort:
Philippians 4:6–7... Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and minds in Christ Jesus.
First Peter 5:7… Cast all your cares and then anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Isaiah 40:31… But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.
John 16:33... These things I have spoken into you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trials and tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world. Hebrews 13:5… God has said never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.
Romans 15:13… May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 9:9 to 10… The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Matthew 6:34… Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.
John 14:27… Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be trouble, neither let them be afraid.
Psalm 32:7–8… You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
First Thessalonians 5:11… Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Deuteronomy 31:8… It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave or forsake you do not fear or be dismayed.
Lamentations 3:22-23… Because of the Lords great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness