Strong and loving God,
today our eyes are overwhelmed by so much suffering,
so much death smothering life,
and yet you invite us to call upon you in every time of need.
God of all, we all need you.
Remove the blindfolds of self-interest from our eyes
so that we might see your Spirit.
Show us how we can be
healers in this time of
of epidemiological and economic crisis.
Compassionate God, give us also ears to hear…
the cries of healthcare workers
and first-responders fighting for life
on the frontlines;
the anguish of individuals
shriveling in the loneliness of isolation;
the anxieties of students and business-owners
navigating a strange new world of shrunken opportunity;
the frustrations of families
feeling stressed-out and locked-in;
O, Lord, have mercy,
even as you make us your messengers of mercy,
even as you send your angels of mercy.
During this season of resurrection,
O, risen Christ,
we pause and we pray
in order that we might rise and respond with power,
claiming your promises
in the name of
the Bringer of every blessing,
the Deliverer from every disease,
the Emancipator from all misery,
Jesus, our joy! Amen.