A Prayer

Tuesday 07 July 2020

A prayer of hope:

In this prayer of hope, we remember the words of Pope Francis, as he prayed for protection during these times of Covid-19:

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"You (Jesus Christ), Salvation of [all] People, know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial.”

{Pope Francis’ prayer to Virgin Mary on 06th/07/’20; https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/pope-francis-prayer-our-lady-protection-coronavirus.html}

Lord Jesus the hope of our world,

We come to you in awe of your grace and healing power.

We pray that the easing of lockdown doesn’t imprison,

that we think of others in our pub’s revelry and hold fast

to social-distancing rules.

We ask that as we enjoy once more the vast natural beaches,

we do so holding concern for one another’s well-being,

and seek to do our bit to stop the spread of the virus.   

May our merriment bring us into connection with all

in a way that honours your Holy Name as we protect,

enable and offer healthy living for all around us.

Christ Jesus hope of our world,

Cradle in Your loving arms all who are wearied,

due to concern for their jobs and incomes.

Those concerned about how they’ll provide for their loved ones

and those still needing to shield for their own health

and the protection of those around them.

Gather them Lord we pray,

so that in your arms they feel your warmth,

they sense your acceptance and they receive your hopefulness,

as you ease their loneliness in the coming days.

“Our hope is in you Lord and our strength is in you Lord”

and we pray that in our praise of you with all of our hearts;

we do not forget those who’re anxious about the re-opening of churches;

we do not forget those who have to work hard to do risk assessments and

we do not forget that all things work for good,

of them that love and revere you, our God;

for we hold this hope in us,

and we offer this hope for others,

in the mighty and healing name of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of our world    — Amen. 

- By Revd Dr Jongi Zihle