Grace member Alayna Wells wrote a beautiful prayer that was shared in our meeting on March 15th. We wanted to share it here:
Lord Jesus, we thank you that despite unusual circumstances, nothing can stop us from joining together to praise you.
Nothing in the present or in things to come, nothing in life or in death, nothing in sickness or in tribulation or distress, nothing in height or depth or in all of creation can separate us from your love.
Many of us are concerned and fighting worry. Many of us are confused and unknowing of what lies ahead in the coming weeks, days, and hours. The world is ever-changing around us, but you remain the same. When things feel as if they are out of control, you remind us that you are fully in control. Voices tell us to run and hide, but you tell us that you are our hiding place, a safe refuge in the midst of the storm.
As believers, we belong to you, Lord Jesus, in mind and body and spirit. We are yours, and yours only. You have come before us and secured for us an ultimate shelter, a rich inheritance, a safe place to lay our heads. You have never left us alone, and you promise to always remain with us in the current age and the age to come. We declare with confidence that in you, we ultimately have nothing to fear.
We ask you, Lord, to give us listening ears. Help us to turn to your Word and to prayer when we feel anxious. Help us not to cower inwardly, but to hold outstretched arms to our neighbors, our families and our friends in need. We ask that where we see sin and destruction and fear, we offer abounding grace to others. Let us be a light in dark places. We need YOU, Lord Jesus, to keep us steady and to keep our eyes fixed on you.
Help us to tune out the clanging symbols around us and listen to you speaking over us [based on Isaiah 43]:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, And the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God, The Holy One of Israel, your savior. You are precious in my eyes and I love you.
Fear not for I am with you.”
Jesus, we thank you that you are who you say you are: our protector and friend. We love you and ask that you remain and abide with us. Help us to run to you, the one who cares for us more than anything we can comprehend. It is through your unchanging Spirit and holy name we pray, Amen.