Daily Devotions
Meditation, Prayers, and Assorted Stuff for April 20, 2020
Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey, “Healing Contradictions”
The many contradictions in our lives—such as being home while feeling homeless, being busy while feeling bored, being popular while feeling lonely, being believers while feeling many doubts—can frustrate, irritate, and even discourage us. They make us feel that we are never fully present. Every door that opens for us makes us see how many more doors are closed.
But there is another response. These same contradictions can bring us into touch with a deeper longing for the fulfillment of a desire that lives beneath all desires and that only God can satisfy. Contradictions, thus understood, create the friction that can help us move toward God.
Sister Cynthia Serjak of the Sisters of Mercy order wrote this “Prayer for Uncertain Times.”
God of infinite mercy, hear our prayer!
In this time of bewilderment and fear, we ask you to give us the courage to take care of one another as Jesus did. For those who are ill, especially those who are frightened and alone, for those who cannot access healthcare, for those who are homeless and lost, hear our prayer!
In the midst of our sadness and grief, we ask you to give us words to comfort one another. For those who are dying, and for those who have already died from this virus, for those who tend them and for those with no one to tend them, hear our prayer!
In the midst of our own anxiety we ask you to give us the courage to support one another as you would. For those who are unexpectedly unemployed, for employers who share what they can, for our government and financial institutions and those who lead them, hear our prayer!
In the midst of our struggle to ensure a healthy future for all who live on this planet, we ask you to give us the hope that surpasses our current understanding. For healthcare workers, spiritual leaders and our faith communities, for artists and poets, for prophets and teachers, hear our prayer!
In the midst of our growing awareness that all life on Earth is connected, we ask for the heart to respect and cherish all life. That all peoples recognize that we are all your children, hear our prayer!
We trust in you and your power working in us. Please hear and answer our prayers. Amen.
Here are more cartoons from Cuyler Black’s “Inherit the Mirth” website.”
Today’s links!
This one made me laugh out loud. Watch as a seemingly normal dad transforms into a “dadosaur” every time his kids say the word.
Ever since she was a kitten, this cat who lives in a high rise apartment has loved playing games with the window washer.
Here’s an interesting infographic showing what folks are buying online during COVID-19.
Launched by Amsterdam-based creative directors Guillaume Roukhomovsky and Blaz Verhnjak, the GIVE-A-SHEET project sees a handful of artists around the globe, who are social distancing and working from home, creating artworks on pieces of toilet paper. According to its organizers, “The initiative not only aims to raise funds to tackle the pandemic, but also aims to inspire everyone out there to hold on and stay home, with a simple little piece of art (and humour).”
Finally, another sign we all have WAY too much time on our hands. This man has gone viral (and made a bit of money besides) building picnic tables for squirrels.
Stay safe and stay well!