5th. June. 2020. Daily Devotion.

During this critical time in the world’s history as we are confronted by the corona virus and the ever expanding side effects and after effects upon our society and by new waves of racism and violence in the world, there are so many matters to pray about. How do we begin?

The season of Pentecost is when we remind ourselves that the Holy Spirit whom we celebrate is the inspirer and instigator of prayer. Consider Paul’s words in Romans 8:

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Not only that, Jesus promised, “The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say at the moment when you need them.” Luke 12:12. This is about witness, but I am sure it applies to prayer as well.

Ask the Holy Spirit to inspire your prayers and to remind you of people and circumstances that you may turn instantly into prayer whatever you are doing.
That is what Paul means when he says:

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.

More thoughts about prayer.
Our Lord takes it for granted that His people will pray. And indeed, in Scripture, generally the outward obligation of prayer is implied rather than asserted. Moved by a divinely implanted instinct, our natures cry out for God, for the living God
St Chrysostom has said, “The just man does not desist from praying until he ceases to be just;” and St Augustine, “He that loves little prays little, and he that loves much prays much;” and Richard Hooker, “Prayer is the first thing with which a righteous life begins, and the last with which it ends;” and Père la Combe, “He who has a pure heart will never cease to pray, and he who will be constant in prayer shall know what it is to have a pure heart;” and Bunyan, “If you are not a praying person, you are not a Christian;” and Richard Baxter, “Prayer is the breath of the new creature;” and George Herbert, “Prayer…the soul’s blood.”

Prayers
Ever-present God,
be with us in our isolation,
be close to us in our distancing,
be healing in our sickness,
be joy in our sadness,
be light in our darkness,
be wisdom in our confusion,
be all that is familiar when all is unfamiliar,
that when the doors reopen
we may with the zeal of Pentecost
inhabit our communities
and speak of your goodness
to an emerging world.
For Jesus’ sake. Amen (Andrew Nunn Dean of Southwark)

We pray for our communities:
for the elderly, confined to their homes and separated from family and support; for children, removed from school; for those who have lost their source of income; for those who fear for their home; for those who have no home; for those offering extraordinary, everyday kindness; for …Silent prayer

The LORD of hosts is with us.
The God of Jacob is our refuge.
Lord, you are in the midst of us:
help us in our time of trouble.

We pray for the young and those in education:
for those anxious about examinations, a place at university, or employment; for those worried about loved ones and friends; for those concerned about their own health; for… Silent prayer

We pray for key workers:
for all medical staff and hospital workers, who go to work knowing the risks they face; for medical researchers, seeking ways to prevent and to cure; for social workers, protecting the vulnerable; for care workers, providing contact and support to those who have no other help; for teachers, worrying about their charges; for farmers, delivery and shop workers, keeping the nation provisioned; for cleaners, fighting the spread of infection; for… Silent prayer

The LORD of hosts is with us.
The God of Jacob is our refuge.
Lord be with us in our time of need:
help us to do what has been asked of us,
and give us grace to help others do what has been asked of them.

Benediction
23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. Amen.