You can actually trace it back to dysfunctional families like Abraham’s! Yes, the patriarch of our faith muddled his way at times; and ill will fermented in Hagar, his concubine, and Ishmael, their son, when Sarah finally conceived Isaac and jealously mistreated Hagar and Ishmael. Sin is systemic in families and spreads to clans, tribes, and nations.

Hatred sprang up between Jacob and Esau, due to the favoritism of Isaac and Rebecca; and eventually Jacob’s family was embroiled in jealousies between the sons of two wives, resulting in Joseph being sold into slavery in Egypt. This isn’t just ancient Israelite history, but the Middle Eastern animosities are fueled by those systemic failures in their most revered patriarchal families. It is repeated in other people groups the world over. Our poor familial relationships morph into societal upheaval as the centuries roll along. And it gets into our social and political systems.

So, to pray for Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and all the Middle East, we must look closer to home and first begin to pray for human hearts to change—even our own. That is a tall order, but it is the only way to peace. One of the great promises regarding prayer is in the Old Testament, II Chronicles 7:14: “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

God offers a wonderful promise, but prefaces it with that big little word: IF. “If my people. . .” The offer begins with God’s people—those who are called by His name, or those who call on His name—those who are known as believers in God as Creator and Deliverer, and who trust Him enough to pray.

IF God’s people will humble themselves—step back, quit shouting, cease demanding, murmuring, bickering, threatening, retaliating—and do what? PRAY! He even tells us how to pray—simply “seek God’s Face.” In other words, it’s not about creating eloquent words and phrases from the mind or great prayer conferences. It’s about praying out of the heart longings in the soul, face to face with God, getting down deep and honest in real fervent prayer. Mean it. Get personal with Almighty God.

And what does He say to do next? “Turn from their wicked ways.” What? The enemy is the one with wicked ways, right? Surely, not God’s people who are called by His name and who call upon His name, and seek to live by His righteous will. Not us! The violent offenders, they have wicked ways. We church-going, law-abiding citizens don’t have wicked ways. Do we? But, then the prophet Isaiah rises up to remind us of his prayer in his day, confessing, “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth.” Ouch. That same indictment is sounded in the New Testament, in Romans 3:10–11: “There is no one who is righteous, not even one; there is no one who has understanding, there is no one who seeks God.” And we know there is truth in that assessment.

To turn from our wicked ways is to first of all agree with God that in His sight our ways are sometimes wicked and we are without the understanding He wants us to embrace. The Psalmist prayed the prayer we need to pray: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23–24).” So, first we must examine our own hearts to see if there are barriers within our own lives to the answers to prayer that we seek.

Consider the ways we may perpetuate ill will in the world by our own judgments and requirements expected or demanded of others. Notice the ways we fail to do the simple things God requires—like “to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). For those of us who believe in Jesus as the Messiah, our Savior and Lord, we also have His command to love God supremely and to love one another selflessly.

The offer for finding peace in the world is clear—to humble ourselves, seek God’s Face, turn from our wicked ways. THEN God says, “I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” If we really want our land healed so that all people can live safe, free and at peace—with clean water, good food, meaningful livelihood, and harmonious relationships—this is the path we must take. Sounds like a good deal to me. We surely aren’t making progress toward peace any other way. So, let’s pray:

Father All Glorious, and over all victorious, we turn to you confessing that we have failed to love as you call us to love, and we have failed to live as you want us to live. Our world is writhing in pain, and we are helpless to make much change. So, we come willing to change ourselves first, from the inside out. But, we are not even capable of that. Just as the leopard cannot change his spots, we cannot rid ourselves of all unrighteous thoughts, words and actions. Sin has been imbedded into our very nature, enmeshed even in our unconscious thoughts and comes to us in myriads of ways from our culture.

But, we are assured through your Word that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Through His work of Grace by His Spirit, we can be transformed to live and care for others and walk obediently with You. Through His work of redemption in us, we can walk in the way of truth that leads to the life we most want and need. One person at a time, the world can be changed. Lord, let it begin with me. Here I am to humble myself, pray, seek Your face and turn from my wicked ways. As the Psalmist prayed long ago, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). Help me see what I have ignored and renew a right way of being in my life, through Your Amazing Grace in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

Scripture quotations are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition.
Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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When I meditate on these passages, a prayer wells up:

O Lord God of Heaven and Earth, we see the world around us writhing in pain at the same time that babies are born, bringing the delight of new life amid death and destruction. We dance and we cry over and over. Every night the evening news gets louder as the reporters raise the volume and the pace of their voices with urgency about the latest despicable actions of those who have lost any sense of love and compassion. We seem looped into a cycle of pain and suffering.

Isaiah brought us a beautiful vision of the creative work that the book of Revelation promises God is going to accomplish. But, there are many long centuries between the prophecies, the vision, and our experience. Sometimes we feel as if we are standing on the edge of the crater of hell, seeing the evil bubbling closer and closer to the surface where we stand. Our day-to-day world is beginning to resemble the description of the Great Tribulation. O Lord, help our world find a positive way forward. Give ear to the prayers of your people crying out night and day for help.

Surely, in every generation there have been people who experienced severe tribulation. But, when it comes over and over from every direction, day after day, we begin to lose heart, for we instinctively know that there is no way for this to subside or end without something monumental happening. We hardly know what to seek in prayer. It seems so hopeless.

The book of Revelation ends with, “Come, Lord Jesus.” That is certainly an understandable way to pray: “Come, Lord, put away this evil once for all. Come establish your Kingdom of Love and Righteousness forever. Come end the shameless evil and long suffering of innocent people.” But, Isaiah holds up a portal through which we see God’s vision and hear God’s longings; and from that, we can pray and live more effectively. When our prayers are in tune with God’s purpose, we can be sure that the answers will come.

So, what does God envision? For what does God long? It is surprisingly simple and practical. God wants what we want—for people to be able to build houses and live in them, and plant vineyards, gardens and fields. He wants open green space, fresh water, clean air—safe space for animals and people, where a wolf and a lamb can have their needs met without one being prey of another.

He desires people to be steady like strong oak trees, faithful to place, family and community. It is not God’s will for people to labor in vain, with a sense of futility. God longs for blessings of fruitful lives to flow from one generation to another, and that their prayers will be met before they even notice the need to ask. In God’s vision, no one prays and gets no answers; but prayers are in tune with His longings.

So, to heal our world today and for the future, let’s pray for what God longs for—for the vision of Isaiah to be fulfilled—with humanity rejoicing and glad forever in what God has been creating all along. While we cannot see the end result yet, we have the promises of the Gospel that He has redeemed, is redeeming and will redeem and create a new Heaven and a new earth in which His people will live together in peace with all of life—and will be glad and rejoice forever as they allow themselves to change and become truly the people in whom God delights.

Hear our prayer, O Lord:

Please move in every country to restore faith among all people and lead people of all nations to fall in love with the earth, the sky, the water, each plant, tree and each creature—and to love one another. Restore the joy of family, the comfort of home, the fellowship of community, the satisfaction of good work, and the faith to believe in Your creative, redemptive power.

Encourage hope to rebuild houses where destruction has brought ruin—to plant vineyards and gardens, and live in harmony with nature and people of all cultures. Teach us how to make peace through humility rather than increasing division through competition and domination. Help us let go of our willfulness that is rooted in fear of losing or being mistreated; and help us gather courage to love and not hate, to help and not fight.

May the Spirit of Jesus the Christ enter our souls and make us whole. May goodness and kindness replace jealousy and retaliation. May mercy and hospitality replace prejudice and blame. May the gift of redemption overcome our “name, blame and shame” games so that we forgive one another. Yes, Lord, may Your beautiful vision of what You are creating be seen with our spiritual eyes and give us hope that even now You are working toward that beautiful purpose. Guide us to find ways to help Your dream come true; for when we do, our prayers will be answered, too. Amen.

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Holy God, our Father who loves us like a mother, Jesus said that not even a sparrow falls without your awareness. You are keenly in tune with all our joys and all our sufferings. We are never apart from your presence, even in the midst of suffering.

We are witnessing suffering like we have not seen in our lifetime, though our lives came into being in the wake of wars. So much of what we believe seems impotent in the face of such horrendous evil. We need our faith stabilized and renewed day by day.

So, teach us again about faith in the face of wickedness, like the Israelites faced in Egypt as slaves for 400 years, like the African slaves, the Native Americans, the Jews—like people have suffered from time immemorial and that sadly continues today.

Remind us of your promises for deliverance for all who call on your name. Ukrainians have called and are calling on your name. Some prayed in the snow on their knees before the violence began, and they continue to pray. This is our hour to kneel with them in true and relevant faith. Teach them and us to believe truth and pray aright. Hear our prayers, O Lord.

Help them and us to find courage to trust that this life is not the life to be treasured and held onto, but the Eternal Life is your supreme gift. Help us to be willing to deny ourselves, take up whatever struggle we need to, in order for wrongs to be righted and others to be rescued, helped and restored as you did for us in our salvation.

We hold in our hearts all who hear, see and feel the devastations of war and conflict, all who are under the threat of extreme cruelty, all who are in the throes of horror and devastation, all who have lost loved ones, are separated from families, children and parents, wives and husbands, mothers, babies, siblings, cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends.

For those who are dispersed far and wide, lead them to safe haven among those with hearts of hospitality and places of sanctuary. Help people in surrounding countries to have compassion on the fleeing hordes, to forgive years of hostility and hatred, and reach out with welcome and hospitality to those in need. Thank you for those who are already extending selfless compassion to the refugees.

Protect those who are fleeing from further evil. Let them all find safety, help and hope. In time, Lord, fulfill your promises of deliverance and restoration. Send forth power from unexpected quarters to rescue, renew and protect the land of Ukraine and all its natural resources and beautiful places.

Raise up those who will work against the Russian aggressors and turn this evil against those who have propagated such horror; and let this crime sicken the hearts of people and ultimately lead to the defeat of communism and punitive government leadership in Russia and throughout Asia, into all the world. May all the work to bring democracy to those lands sparkle in the minds and hearts of Russian citizens until they drive this evil from their nation once and for all.

May the time come when we will all beat our tanks and guns into agricultural and gardening tools to feed and bless the world, as you have promised (Isaiah 2:4). In the name of Jesus Christ, The Light of the World, Amen.

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I want to give a shout-out for the Ten Commandments! I have come to love those simple expressions of universal Law given to the world through Moses’ encounter with the God of Israel. When I imagine a world in which those precepts govern all human endeavors, I see a beautiful, sane, harmonious world marked by compassion and generosity. My heart yearns to join with others throughout the world and pray for those concepts to take root in the souls of all humans on the face of the planet. It would set our world upright, instead of upside down as it is now.

Being raised as a Christian Protestant, fairly conservative and evangelical in my roots, these commandments have been at the heart of my life always. My mother taught them to me as a young child. Believe me, it did not come across in a way that was warm and fuzzy at that time, though. It was couched in the common views of those times (1940s–50s), with judgment looming behind the words for those who failed to keep them.

She read them to me from a Bible story book with frightful images of doom for transgressors. So, they were almost a source of dread for me—accompanied by a sense of doom because I broke one of them habitually. I had a quick tongue that my mother described as “talking back,” for which I was often punished. So, I knew I failed the commandment of honoring thy father and mother.

As I grew to mercifully understand salvation through Jesus, I slowly lost the frightening images that made the Ten Commandments a list that seemed designed to certainly ensure my judgment. I began to realize that the authors of scripture down through the ages did not view them in frightful terms. The Psalmist said many times: “I delight in Thy Law,” and “Oh, how I love Thy Law.” (Psalm 119:70, 97) Jesus certainly had a positive view of them, saying that He came to fulfill the Law, not abolish it (Matthew 5:17).

The commandments still stand as witness of God’s intent of goodness for the human race and all of creation. Jesus fulfilled them in His own life and calls His followers to love God’s Word, Precepts and Laws by living like He did—in ways that fulfill God’s Commandments, not as rules that we dread or don’t want to do, but as welcomed, life-giving ways of living in love. He did not keep them in Pharisaical, literal, legalistic ways, but in heart-to-hand action. That is His intent for us.

So, what if we were to pray for the world from that viewpoint? What if we prayed from the standpoint that God’s Law is our highest good and a spectacular outline for successful living? What if we began to absolutely love God’s Law rather than fear it or dismiss it as out of step with the world? In these days of disruption, perhaps we can find a way forward by giving attention to them again. In many ways, we will be re-building our culture, so this is a good time to catch the vision of Jesus for God’s Law and lay them as the foundation of our lives.

Here is a sample prayer to get us started. You may not agree with all my interpretations, so please realize that I offer this as an example only. As always, you must pray as God leads you. If this fits for you, use it freely:

I.

Lord God, Giver of the Laws of Life, burden your people throughout the world to change attitudes and actions that put any person, place, idea or thing as a priority before You.

“Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.”

II.

Help people of all nations to tear down false idols of any kind that keep anyone from honoring You first and foremost.

“Thou shalt not worship anything or anyone other than the Lord your God, whether in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.”

III.

Bring us to renewed conviction to honor your Holy Name in any of its derivatives and to never use it carelessly, in anger, deceit, in jest, or for any purpose other than worship.

“Thou shalt not misuse the name of the Lord your God.”

IV.

Lord, too long we have gradually and consistently eased away from setting aside a day to honor You and rest from our labor, to pause in the work by which we earn wages. Forgive us and grant us courage to re-imagine our lives with You at the center of even our work commitments. As the entire world has been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, help us all to notice the benefits of having time to honor our bodies, our relationships, and our connection with You. Inspire Your people to lead the way as commerce re-opens, setting aside a day of spiritual, psychological, emotional, and physical renewal—as thanksgiving to You for our lives, families, faith and occupations. May the benefit of slowing down leave its mark on us as a reminder of Your call to take time to be still and know You.

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.”

V.

Our Father, who loves us like a Mother, remind us of the debt we owe our mothers and fathers for bringing us into the world. Renew our minds with rightful appreciation that even the least-nurturing mother at least gave us life. Likewise, even the least-supportive father gave us life through his creative energy, whether misplaced or in loving companionship, whether followed with unselfish guidance or painful neglect. Renew our minds with compassion for the hardships they faced, forgiveness for the ways they failed, and joyful thanksgiving for any ways in which they nurtured and supported us. Help us to bless our families, the traditional and the dysfunctional.

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

VI.

Lord, Creator of Life, help us to hear this commandment loud and clear. Above all else, help the global community to see the value, worth, equality and dignity of all persons and created beings of all shapes and sizes—from microscopic organisms to the innumerous species of marvelous plants, fish, birds, and animals that populate the planet. Call forth the compassion you have embedded in our human nature, that Image of God with which you created us. Help us to care for the quality of life and quantity of years of each human and all forms of life. Lead us to hold each life as our own—to protect and defend. Teach us how we really can cease from all forms of destruction—war, crime, genocide, pollution, violence and more.

“Thou shalt not kill.”

VII.

Lord, we have fallen victim to the siren call of the worldly culture, depicted for us in alluring ways, and we have committed adultery in our hearts and in our relationships. The first adultery we commit is with You, in loving our own pleasure, beliefs and goals more than your ways. There is flagrant disregard or perhaps uninformed dismissal of the time-honored understanding that sex outside of marriage is adultery in your sight. Return us to rightful understandings of how to honor our bodies and one another by upholding the sanctity and privilege of stable, dedicated, unfractured homes.

“Thou shalt not commit adultery.”

VIII.

Lord, most of us think we are honest and would never steal, but it is an easy commandment to break. Anything we take from another is a theft—whether monetary, psychological, social, emotional or physical. We can even steal spiritually by undermining another’s faith. We can steal hope, esteem, security, advancement, reputation, acceptance and more. Keep us mindful that we are Your appointed caretakers of all that You have placed in this world for our good, so it is our responsibility to honor the part of the world that other people tend as much as our own.

“Thou shalt not steal.”

IX.

Lord, keep us from the guilt of harming another by words, actions, even body language that give a negative impression of another. Tweak our consciences to be aware of the sly, subtle ways we deceive. Even a little white lie is a deception, and any deception is false testimony about a person or situation. Sadly, deception is a habit of the mind that many people learn early, and it leaves a trail of discontent along the paths of their lives. Forgive us, Lord.

“Thou shalt not give false testimony against your neighbor.”

X.

Lord, you have promised to provide for our needs, so help us be satisfied with a life not measured by how much we have or don’t have. In the wake of this pandemic, when many have lost jobs, businesses, homes, savings and loved ones, help us choose a simpler life rather than starting again to drive ourselves to misery by striving to regain all we lost or getting bogged down in mourning the loss. Help us see the emptiness of “keeping up” with worldly trends, famous people, sensual excitement, power, fortune and fame. Lead us out of this global crisis with renewed commitment to honor the life of the world and live in the ways that build a better society—one in which all people have enough. May our attitudes foster faith, hope and love, to the Glory of God our Defender and Protector—rather than status and wealth.

“Thou shalt not covet your neighbor’s house, your neighbor’s wife, his employees, pets or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Lord, You are worthy of our renewed commitment to live as Jesus did, in fulfillment of the meaning and purpose of Your Law of Love.  Help us uphold the Spirit of the Ten Commandments as the Spirit of Freedom for love and happiness for all. Your Law gives life in all its abundance. Forgive us for spurning any portion of Your Law and help us live into the fullness of life which You offer. As You summed up the commandments so beautifully, help us to fulfill Your call to love the Lord our God supremely and one another seriously, and—when needed—sacrificially. Amen.

“To love [God] with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Mark 12:33 (NIV)

Quotations of scripture are from the NIV, except the commandments which are paraphrased, based on a contemporary reading of Exodus 20:1-17.

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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In some ways, it seems empty and futile to pray for people who are hungry. After all, how is a prayer going to satisfy someone’s hunger? But prayer can open our own hearts as we allow ourselves to fully focus on particular needs. And, as we pray, the Holy Spirit moves us toward ways that we can be an answer to our own prayers. So, here is a suggestion:

Pray regularly right after a meal, when your tummy is full, and you are well aware of your blessing of having enough to eat. Remember that a major portion of the global society does not know what that feels like. So, pray for those who are hungry—for the helpless children, the distraught parents, the poor laborers whose wages do not cover the most primitive basic human needs for their families. Pray for those too sick or disabled to procure sustenance even for themselves, much less for anyone else.

Pray for the affluent who do not know what it is like to even get hungry, since they have a constant array of snacks and beverages and meals to keep them satisfied ’round the clock. Pray for the governments and business leaders around the world who cater to the wealthy and whose goal is to pay their CEOs mega-salaries that would more than take care of the needs of the poor. Just the excess beyond their needs and reasonable wants could easily cover the needs of the rest of the world if shared. Such simple compassion and generosity would literally change the world.

Pray for the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to wrestle with those who are neglecting the poor, both knowingly and unknowingly. That is, very possibly, you and me. We may unwittingly live our lives in ways that impact poverty in a negative way. Our choices have repercussions in places far and near. So, pray for the tangible ways you can help the poor and needy.

Jesus said, “You will always have the poor with you.” So, it is not a problem that will go away, and it is a complex challenge to choose a way to help in view of the widespread need. Since Jesus said we will never be done with this job, perhaps our take-away is that feeding the hungry should be woven into our lives every day—consistently praying and giving in small and big ways.

In His teachings, Jesus established that the words and warnings of the prophets still stand through the centuries—that it is every God-honoring person’s responsibility and the common-sense expectation that all humans who are not caught in poverty should help the poor. Quite simply, God expects us to do this. It is really not an option. Jesus makes that clear in His discourse recorded in Matthew 25.

The Judgment of the Nations

³¹ “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. ³² All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, ³³ and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. ³⁴ Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶ I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ ³⁷ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? ³⁸ And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? ³⁹ And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ ⁴⁰ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ (NRSV)

Clearly, praying is not enough, but it is our starting place, for it opens our hearts more and more as we pray. Writing a check is not enough, but it is a blessing to those who will benefit. Voting is not enough, and protesting to push for government action is not enough, but sometimes it is necessary in order to call attention to the need. However, using our own hands and resources to feed someone works! It is essential—not just recommended or requested—but commanded throughout the Bible.

So, let’s pray for the hungry of the world—and sometimes use words! By all means, use your heart, your head, your hands, and your resources. Pray by a change of lifestyle to make this an everyday habit. Decide that you will DECIDE today to do this, and confirm it by taking action. No matter how small it seems at the moment, it will help you confirm your intention.

Lord Jesus, guide us to have compassionate hearts, informed minds, open wallets, and ready hands to help the least among us, close by and in far-away places. Let us not rest until we do something to address the needs of the financially deprived as a regular life action. Grant us creative inspiration through the leading of your Holy Spirit, Amen.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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The sense of leading I have had for this has not been for the typical intercessory approach, though there is certainly nothing wrong with the ways we have always prayed for the world. God hears all prayers. But there has been a longing in my soul to pray differently. I am still not quite sure what that means. So, I invite you to learn with me as we explore what may be new territory in prayer.

The first place I have turned for my approach is to the teachings of Jesus Christ. He instructed his followers to enter into a place where they could pray in secret, saying: “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen” (Matthew 6:6, NIV). Some translations call it a closet, but any secluded place is fine. Pray in the bathroom if that is your best option! He said that God who is unseen, and sees what is done in secret, also hears our prayers in secret. We have a unique opportunity to do that in light of our current, far-reaching quarantine restrictions.

Do you wonder why He taught us to pray in seclusion? I assume it is because we need to focus our attention fully on God and the needs of the world—and put ourselves in position to hear from Him in our hearts without disruptions. To do that, we need to block out all distractions and give primary focus to our prayer. So, this does not support our most popular way of praying—on the run! This is not to say that praying on the run is wrong and unheard by God, but it is to point out that Jesus said that the most effective and fruitful way to pray is in silence and solitude.

Once that understanding has been accepted, the next thing is to learn from Jesus how we are to pray. It was in this teaching on prayer that He gave the world the beautiful “Lord’s Prayer.” We have made it into an iconic prayer, which is a wonderful tradition; but it was primarily an outline for prayer. It gives us the main framework for prayer that gets results.

The other point He stressed about prayer is that it doesn’t require a lot of stilted, sacred-sounding words. It should be real and honest—no flowery words that sound good and make us feel pious or to impress others—but words that rise up in response to the reality of the inner world within us and the outer world around us. Words of praise and worship may bubble up—and should—but in times of crises like these, the words that rise to the surface may come from the depths of fear, desolation and anxiety.

So, let us pray in the outline of the Lord’s Prayer. I encourage you to get alone with this prayer, shut the door, tape a sign on it saying, “Please do not disturb”—and pray to our Father God who hears and answers His people when they pray from the heart. Pray any way you feel led, but I invite you to use this prayer to begin:

Our Father Who Art in Heaven:

Our Unseen Father Who art in Heaven, that realm that both transcends and envelops us, I offer my utmost reverence to you.

Hallowed be Thy Name:

In this space of time in silence and seclusion, I open my soul to welcome all that you are. I worship you and hold your Name above all names.

Thy Kingdom come:

Lord, the scriptures attest that the Kingdom of God is wherever you reign, and that where you most want to reign as Lord is in our very lives. To the best of my understanding, I crown you as King of kings to reign supremely over my heart, soul, mind and strength.

Thy Will be done on Earth as it is
in Heaven:

I long with deepest desire to align myself with Thy will as the angels in Glory yield to your purpose in everything. And I long to live in a world where Thy will is done as it is in Heaven, a world where there is peace, health-giving food for all, pure water and clean air, equity in all human affairs, humane treatment of animals, responsible use of the planet’s resources, suitable housing, adequate clothing, meaningful work, selfless service, joyous worship and joyful hope in life. Help me set my shoulder to the wheel to move in that direction.

Give us this day our daily bread:

This prayer is set in the plural, as I can only pray well when I pray it for someone else. As long as I have food on my table at least once a day, I have more than many. So, with thanksgiving for the blessings of nutrition that I am able to enjoy, I pray for guidance for ways that I and the world can become more aware and compassionate about the problem of world hunger. Giving doesn’t seem to be the end solution. Change of heart in human affairs is the long-term answer—in government, yes, but also in our individual choices to use less of the world’s resources. I pray for a change of direction in the farming and food-processing industries—to respect the land, rid the food chain of toxins, and use humane ways of raising and processing meat—cutting back on consumption and eliminating waste. Bless those who are doing it right.

Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us:

Lord, the world around us has been getting farther and farther from your way of love, and I myself know that I too am far from what you have created me to be and do. Like the Apostle Paul wrote in the New Testament, “I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing” (Romans 7:18-19, NIV). So, I confess my own need for forgiveness and commit myself to forgiving others as you forgave on the cross, saying, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34, NIV).

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

And here, O Lord, we come to today’s global crisis. We truly need you to deliver us from evil. Help me not give into the temptation to fear and wring my hands in despair, but to remember that you have given us many great and wonderful promises and instructions on how to proceed in difficult times.

Recalling a promise in the Old Testament points us in the right direction: “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.” (II Chronicles 7:11-15, NIV).

Lord, this verse has often been used as threat more than a promise. It is couched in the ancient view of condemnation rather than the New Testament view of redemption. Help us hear the real message—the wonderful promise that it is—that you will hear from heaven and heal our land when we turn to you. We are made aware here that we have a part to play, though. The right attitude is to pray in a spirit of humble, honest admission of the ways we have contributed to our world spinning out of control. We did not cause the coronavirus directly, nor do we believe you sent it as punishment, but it is the result of human activity without your guidance. So, we humbly seek your wisdom, to live under your guidance.

We are able to see more clearly when the den of noise ceases, the frantic rush to jobs and entertainment ceases, movies and video games seem hollow in the face of reality. Now we begin to know in our heart of hearts that we have been in error and need to seek your guidance. So, Lord, through this experience, help us begin to envision ways to live that bring peace and harmony on earth for all mankind.

We do believe it is possible, and now we clearly see that this is the greatest good we can seek for ourselves and others. Getting rid of the coronavirus will be a wonderful day, and we trust that you are leading us in ways to accomplish that. But changing our lives and creating a better world is our ultimate need.

Hear my prayer of confession, in all humility, that I have failed to do as you created me to do in all circumstances. I look to you for the right ways to move forward, and I pray that you will heal our land of this dreaded and deadly COVID-19 virus.

For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, forever.

I trust that you will hear our prayers, and I give you unwavering praise and adoration for now and throughout all Eternity.

Amen.

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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When we live by greed and supremacy over one another, we are choosing death. Our attitudes, words and actions either add weight to the “life” choice or the “death” choice for our lives and the world. We are all in the boat together on planet Earth, suffering along with one another for the weight of our “death” choices or enjoying peace and goodwill due to the weight of our “life” choices. In other words, we need to be praying prayers of confession and renewal of focus on good choices, as much as for intervention from the judgment of an angry God. 

Let’s be honest. Are our prayers based on a foundation of fear or faith? Does the hope that God will intervene arise from an Old Testament foundation or New Testament? Remember, we are New Testament people! In the Old Testament view of ancient agricultural people, all the bad things that happened to their crops and their lives had to be explained in some way. They believed, like most of the ancient world, that human actions led to God’s direct judgment—meaning, God’s direct action in condemnation.

Since humans are prone to live outside God’s plan, most any dire situation can be traced to human failure—so it is natural to think bad things are judgment and that God is condemning. It is one of those paradoxes in scripture—it is not untrue but not the whole truth. In ancient times, there was a view that carries over into today—that they had to placate God, i.e. hold their hands up in prayer long enough, correct their lives, or get enough people to swarm heaven with prayer. I used to think that way myself. But honestly, isn’t that more out of fear than faith?

To be clear—this pandemic is not punishment from an angry God waiting to be placated. This is what happens in a fallen world, and Jesus told us what to do: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7, NIV). God wants us to simply turn to Him and admit that His way is best. So, that is what I’m doing—asking for protection, seeking wisdom in how to protect ourselves, knocking on whatever door I need to (like where to get toilet paper!)—and searching my heart, asking for what I am to learn from this experience.

I don’t expect God to answer my prayers because I am good, but because He is good. I don’t ask him to protect my family because we are better than anyone else, or closer to Christ than anyone else, or have earned His help because we have enough people praying—but because He has told us to ask! It is good to know in this complex situation that there really is a simple path to follow—trust in God and ask!

As for what the Lord is telling us in these trying times, I think we know if we are paying attention. I think the Lord is saying, “SEE? How much better life can be if you slow down, pay attention to one another, care for one another, take walks outdoors, notice nature, sing, play musical instruments, make art, cook and eat simple and healthy food, live simply, generously, with compassion—and pray humbly out of faith and not fear.”

So, in that sense, yes, I think there is the judgment of saying, “You have been spinning out of control and this is what happens when you do that.” But, His main word is “I love you. I don’t want you and the world to suffer like this. Come to me and let’s find a better way.” Or, as Jesus also said, “ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30, NIV).” Now, does that sound like a God of merciless judgment and condemnation?

So, our prayer focus needs to be in the direction to which Jesus pointed—goodwill toward creation and one another. I have read that there is already some evidence in waterways of improvement in water clarity because there is less human activity! Already there is visible evidence that the earth is sighing in relief and moving back toward health. Just like our bodies, when we avoid toxins, our health returns.

I hope people will notice how good it is to have time with their families, time to think and pray, read and take care of projects that there was never time to attend to. Let us never forget the lessons to be found in this situation and commit ourselves to putting them into practice in the future.

I hope you will pray with me:

Lord, I pray for every human being on this good earth to become aware of the critical situation that the world is in currently so that they can take care of themselves. Grant us all the information, resources and wisdom we need to manage this worldwide emergency and save as many lives as possible.

For those in authority, grant them accurate information and guidance for making the best decisions.

For those responding to medical needs, bless them for their compassion, courage and commitment to meet the needs of the sick and dying. Protect them and strengthen them.

For researchers around the world, I pray that they will lay aside concerns about funding and just commit their energies to focus on a vaccine and a cure for this disease and many others. Help pharmaceutical companies that fund a lot of research to put greater value on solving health problems than making billions.

For educators and students, lead them to find ways to help education continue—so students may continue to grow in knowledge and expertise that will enable them to take their place as productive members of society. We pray for creativity, imagination, skills, resources and determination, and ways to inspire and encourage at-home studies. We will need them to help build a better tomorrow.

For men and women out of jobs, at home with families for days at a time, at a loss to know what to do—help them trust in your presence to lead them to the resources they need and grant them patience to bear with one another in the down times, support one another in the scary times, forgive one another in the offensive times, and find some simple pleasures to enjoy together.

For people of faith who value community and find themselves having to be separate for the good of all, help them to listen to the voice of the Spirit and use good judgment and creativity in finding ways to connect safely and extend hope to one another, their neighborhoods and communities.

For those charged with the responsibility of keeping communities safe and sorting out legal issues and making public policy, we pray that they will sense their own fallibility and carefully make decisions out of compassion for humanity.

For those who have been accustomed to having most anything they want, and now are seeing their investments tumbling and businesses facing insurmountable losses, we pray for a reassessment of what truly matters in life and a determination to live life in the future with generous spirits.

I pray that we all will recognize that we have coveted more than we needed, eaten more than is required for our nutrition, chosen to wear, build, drive, buy and do those things that are associated with the “good life”—but which are not all truly necessary for life.

I pray that we will have a clear understanding of the elasticity of our world and that our excessive spending and consumption in our circle of life draws resources away from people in even remote areas of the world. When we use more than is needed here, something is depleted elsewhere. Forgive us, Lord.

I pray that this enforced period of slowing down will reap many blessings—that people will realize that the whole world has been spinning out of control—with many partying too much, reveling too much, living too recklessly, living immorally, expressing too much anger, taking delight in defying common decency, seeking shock value and overdosing on self-centered, arrogant attitudes, flamboyant lifestyles and violent militancy.

Lord Jesus, you said, “apart from me you can do nothing.” We see that more clearly in these troubling times and humbly ask you to receive us as we turn to you in faith so that “we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.” Amen.

For those who have joined me in this prayer:

May God bless you with a sense of His Love and comfort you with peace to believe that He is on our side. Remember, this is not punishment from an angry God. This is what happens in a fallen world, and Jesus told us what to do: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7, NIV).

So, that is what we are to do in times like these—ask for protection, seek wisdom in how to protect ourselves, knock on whatever door you need to (like where to get toilet paper!). In doing this, we are not praying because we expect God to answer based on how good we are, but because He is good and invites us to depend on Him! We don’t ask him to protect our families because we are better than anyone else, but because He has told us to ask!

It is good to know in this complex situation that there really is a simple path to follow—trust in God and ask, because Jesus told us we can trust Him!

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The post Is the Coronavirus God’s Judgment on Us? appeared first on Savor the Sacred.

They were even more amazed when he asked them, “Why are you afraid?” We understand, and we are afraid in our situation today!  We are facing a global pandemic that has come upon the whole earth very quickly and is expanding at an alarming rate, coming closer and closer to our own doorsteps. In their situation, their outcries reached your heart and the storm was stilled with but a word of command from Jesus. They were humbled by the power of your presence and command, exclaiming, “Who is this that even the wind and seas obey?”

We long for your word of command to end this crisis today, while you long for us to live by that level of trust that Jesus exemplified. Help us take a deep breath, remember your lovingkindness that has brought all crises to resolution eventually, and trust our lives into your care. Your Word declares, “Underneath are the Everlasting Arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27). Lend the aid of Your Spirit to help us trust your everlasting and steadfast love that cares for us now and through all Eternity.

To the best of our feeble faith, we place our trust in You and seek your guidance and protection through this storm of fear and danger. You are our only sure refuge and mighty fortress in Whom we can trust. Our hope is well-grounded in the history of lives lived in commitment to you through the crises of previous generations. Let us take up the mantle of faith and wear it with confidence that enables us to stand strong and live wisely. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Click here to read Julia’s companion article to this prayer.

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What will it take, Lord? The world is in such dire need of awakening and re-direction. So much has already been done throughout biblical and ecclesiastical history. Abraham moved to a new land to uphold belief in One True God. Moses met you before a burning bush and heard your self-disclosure as “I AM WHO I AM.” Moses drew strength to obey you, brought the Ten Commandments to the Israelites and led them out of oppression into new life. Prophets spoke for God, revealing a God of mercy and forgiveness, justice and hope.

Jesus came from the God-head into our broken world, not to condemn the world, but to save the world. His life, ministry of healing and teaching, atoning sacrifice for our sins and mighty Resurrection have blessed the world with the assurance of forgiveness and eternal life. New Testament witnesses to the Gospel left us rich scripture to anchor our faith, enliven our hope and ground us in love. Great hymns have been composed and books have been written to declare the glory of God and His Love for the world. The Church has been planted from sea to sea, testifying to your presence, your call, and your promises. Evangelists, missionaries, pastors and believers commit themselves to spreading the Good News as they go, day by day.

Countless faithful followers have come across the scenes of history and entered into the great “cloud of witnesses” on the Eternal shore. In our times and collective memories, we have mourned the passing and celebrated the legacies of spiritual giants such as Billy Graham, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., Deitrich Bonhoeffer, Henri Nouwen, Dallas Willard—and the list is endless.

Much good has been done and still we labor in a broken world where there is unfathomable misery, where little children even attack other children like a pack of dogs. How can this be? Has the Gospel not been shared? Have we not heard? Have we not listened?

Lord, the lyrics of the famous “Coca Cola song” come to my mind: “I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony.” Where do we start, Lord? What can we do in our day to relieve the world of its burden of pain, fear, hatred and violence? Who can speak up, step up, reach out and make a difference? Give us the courage to be the one or to support the ones who do it best.

Remind us again of your name, Lord, as You revealed it to Moses—I AM WHO I AM.  We cannot say your name without reflecting our own state—“I am.” In calling your name, we give witness to our created state in your Image. We can say “I am” because we are created to reflect your likeness. Let us begin there, Lord, and grow into your Image of Love day by day. Let us take care to make every word and every action count, to bless the world as we go—like the many witnesses who have gone before us.

Let us join our lives with the believers of all the ages who lived out your Image in their lives. Let us sing, preach, write, rejoice, hope, love, care, forgive, help—no matter what the cost or outcome—until others catch on and join in. Amen.

I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing
Words and Music by Bill Backer, Roquel Davis, Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway
© 1971, 1972 (Copyrights Renewed) SHADA MUSIC, INC.

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