Daily Devotions
Meditation, Prayers, and Assorted Stuff for April 21, 2020
Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey, “Going Beyond Our Wants”
Sometimes we behave like children in a toy shop. We want this, and that, and then something else. The many options confuse us and create an enormous restlessness in us. When someone says, “Well, what do you want? You can have one thing. Make up your mind,” we do not know what to choose.
As long as our hearts keep vacillating among these many wants, we cannot move forward in life with inner peace and joy: That is ·why we need inner and outer disciplines, to go beyond these wants and discover our mission in life.
The Anglican Diocese of Exeter has produced a series of prayers for Christians to use in conjunction with the spread of coronavirus.
FOR MEDICAL STAFF AND RESEARCHERS
Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those researching for a cure. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE ILL
Merciful God, we entrust to your unfailing and tender care, those who are ill or in pain, knowing that whenever danger threatens your everlasting arms are there to hold us safe. Rest your healing hand upon them, and restore them to health and strength, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
FOR THOSE IN ISOLATION
God of compassion, be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation. In their loneliness, be their consolation; in their anxiety, be their hope;
in their darkness, be their light; through him who suffered alone on the cross, but reigns with you in glory, Jesus Christ our Lord.
PRAYER FOR CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy, in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who brought low; that we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Here are more cartoons from Cuyler Black’s “Inherit the Mirth” website.
Today’s links!
Read here about the Georgia bar owner who—with lots of help—removed over $3,700 in one-dollar bills stapled to the walls and ceiling of her bar to help her laid-off employees.
Here’s the story of a California woman who was arrested after licking nearly $2,000 worth of groceries.
This couple in lockdown is passing time by recreating famous movie scenes.
Okay, I’m of “a certain age.” But I still think this video of George Harrison and Paul Simon singing “Here Comes the Sun” and “Homeward Bound” is awesome!
Ever wonder what a Harvard education is like? For these students, their hardearned tuition is helping them learn how to play the “Stars Wars” theme by hitting their legs with plastic pipes called boomwhackers. I predict you’ll follow up with some of the other videos from HarvardTHUD.
Stay safe and stay well!