Family Devotions During COVID-19
During this difficult time of isolation, we are encouraging families to practice spirituality together. We encourage you to draw upon your favorite prayer books and devotions. The following devotion has also been made available for broader use.
Evening Prayer for Families During COVID-19
OPENING SENTENCES (from Psalm 134)
Behold now, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD,
you that stand by night in the house of the LORD.
Lift up your hands in this holy place and bless the LORD;
the LORD who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.
A selection from Scripture may be read (the PC(USA) makes available daily readings online).
PRAYER FOR A PANDEMIC (by Cameron Bellm)
May we who are merely inconvenienced
Remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors
Remember those most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home
Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close
Remember those who have no options.
May we who have to cancel our trips
Remember those that have no safe place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market
Remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home
Remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country,
let us choose love.
During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other,
Let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
THE COLLECT (from The Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church)
Visit this place, O LORD, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The almighty and merciful LORD, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.