Words of Hope During COVID-19
J. Dana Trent, author of One Breath at a Time, shares ways she is finding God’s presence in her daily routine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today’s Reflection
When we believe that we are beloved and live as beloved people, we are healed. In turn, we can help others understand they are beloved; then they can be healed. And the world can be healed. This is how we are called into healing: We are participants in God’s act of healing the world.
—Kristen E. Vincent, We Are Beloved: A Lenten Journey with Protestant Prayer Beads (Upper Room Books, 2019)
Today’s Question
Where do you see a need for God’s healing? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed;
save me, and I shall be saved;
for you are my praise.
—Jeremiah 17:14 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Open my heart to your love, O God.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
What’s your spiritual type? Learn more about yourself by taking The Upper Room Spiritual Types Test.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Liturgy of the Palms
Liturgy of the Passion
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
6 Comments
Healing is needed everywhere, it seems. Of course – physical healing for those afflicted with this virus. Strengthening healing for those on the front-lines helping those with the virus. Emotional healing for those isolated and deeply lonely. I could go on and on.
I woke this morning to an email from one of my students, whom I would deem to be emotionally needy and insecure. She has been on my “watch list”, and sure enough – sent out a vague email to her teachers last night. Our program’s coordinator asked me to keep an eye on her as she feels this student is closest with me. Often at school in the afternoon, this student would be in my office. Just on Monday, my coordinator asked me about this young lady. I wrote her this morning, encouraging her to get in touch again so we could speak “virtually”.
I think of Mary and wonder if she is stranded on her mission trip. Or, does she know of our “new spot” to meet. It seems like a very long time. I don’t recall her saying how long her trip would be. But, now, what does time even mean? Very little seems to be as it was.
Dad and I did get our walk in yesterday. It was good to see him, it had been several days – our longest time apart since all this began.
Father, as we settle in to this month of April, may we live each day in graceful patience and with deep gratitude for what You have done, what You are doing and what You will do – and our part in it.
The world needs healing in many different ways: illness both physical and mental, attitudes and behaviors, thoughts and actions, repentance and forgiveness. Lord may we all turn to You!
The world is indeed in need of healing now. Healing for those afflicted with Covid 19, for those who lost loved ones from Covid 19, those treating the afflicted, those who are first responders, those in isolation due to exposure and all of us sheltering in place. I also take time to thank and acknowledge the sacrifice of those still in stores working to maintain our ability to buy necessities.
Prayers for Jill and her student. May they connect and may Jill help alleviate some of her student’s burdens and concerns.
Prayers for Robert, may he remain free of illness and connected to his church. By the way Zoom has compromised the personal information of all its users. All information was sold.
Prayers for Andrea and Lowell, may they rest assured in the knowledge that all restaurants must meet strict guidelines in order to remain open.
Prayers for Lou and may her patient load remain able to support her financial needs.
Prayers for BJ, may she and her mother be shielded within God’s arms.
Prayers for Rick, may he continue to learn online as well as he would if in the classroom.
Prayers for April and her family, may they be safe and well.
Megan sprayed outside for the ants…and then it rained. The spray needs 24 hours without rain. I thought she would cry. We will buy more spray. Sigh
Prayers and thank you UR
I see a need for God’s healing in our inner demons and in our relationships, both with people we love and at times fall out with, and with people who push our buttons or are adversaries. The light and love of God heal us. In some cases, healing comes as forgiveness and renewed closeness. It may come as increased insight, compassion, patience and humility. With adversaries, healing may take on the form of an armor of protection. Our bodies weaken as we age, and healing may come not physically, but spiritually. Psalm 31:14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God!” I believe all of these are part of the fabric of God’s healing love.
I ask for forgiveness for anyone I may have hurt or offended yesterday. Blessings and prayers for UR friends and those for whom you pray. I miss Mary, Connie, Betsy, and other voices lost since transitioning to the new format.
Where do you see a need for God’s healing? I echo the thoughts presented above and conclude, everywhere Lord, we need your healing. At this time of staying home, it allows a pause for me to ponder these questions longer and truly listen for God’s answers. A sign I read not long ago stated that God has our attention, now what does He want us/me to hear and do. The first go to for me is prayer and connecting with other Christians, so UR Family, thank you for always being here!!
I am comforted to read over and over again that I am a Beloved Child of God, that He is always with me, that He is in control, He gives us Hope and a Future, etc. The words of the Bible and lyrics of hymns lift me up as they have for so many and I thank God for this assurance. Thank you BJ for your posts with so many. I often return to them and read them slowly, so I can saver each word. Connie, I hum them with you and pray all is well.
Andrea, I can empathize with you. It is so easy to type words that I wish I could erase or say things that I would like to take back, but we live in a broken world and these things happen. I have asked God to forgive me and I know He has….now I try again to be the best I can be.
Jill, I hope that you are feeling more comfortable in your online teaching each day. No matter what the “classroom” looks like, I know your students are learning.
Robert, I pray that you and Enrich are doing well during this time. Online studies are always there to tap into and I am sorry to hear that Zoom has been compromised.
Julie, I enjoy your kitten escapades. I am a cat lover since wayyyyy back. Poor Megan and her efforts with the ants…..another day.
Lou, I am encouraged to reach out to each of my children when you write about each of yours. Connecting with them from a distance is a challenge. I sometimes email everyone at once to convey that we are all family. I know they are all busy, so no news is good news is my go to. When I send personal notes I often get a response and any word is wonderful.
Rich, I pray for you as you study. May you soon graduate and be able to apply your new knowledge in our healthcare system to each of your patients.
Thank you UR for the space you provide and so many resources to tap into during this time. I so enjoy the personal visits with the authors from our New Every Morning Site. Having seen and heard them, I know that what they write comes from their hearts.
Blessings dear UR Family.
You, have all so beautifully touched on what came to my mind. I like this reading today, I know I am a beloved child of the most high God. I find my it hard to breath at times when i hear and see what this virus is doing all around the world. As if it couldn’t get any more real in my own community. Then I remember that all I can do is pray and wait with expectancy for his guidance in what he would have me do and be. I rest in God’s assurance of his love for us, with Faith, Hope, and Love. I am so grateful for this space and for your wisdom and support. Keeping your prayers in mine as we shelter in place and weather this together. May the Lord Bless you and keep you all safe and protected.
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