Daily Prayer for Friday, June 26, 2020

​“That soul, though all hell shall endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.”                        
                                                      —-“K” in A Selection of Hymns, 1787

Preparation for worship
Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit.  Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship…

Opening Sentences                                                                     Psalm 34:3
O praise the Lord with me,
let us exalt God’s name together.

Prayer                                                                     from the Church of England
Abide with us, Lord, for it is evening,
and day is drawing to a close.
Abide with us and with your whole Church,
in the evening of the day,
in the evening of life,
in the evening of the world;
abide with us and with all your faithful ones, O Lord,
in time and in eternity.
Amen.    

Hymn of the Day
Nina Simone sings “Nearer Blessed Lord.”   Pray as you listen to this song sung from the heart.

Reading of the Day:                                                       Matthew 20: 29-34 
29 As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30 There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31 The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!” 32 Jesus stood still and called them, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” 34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.

Prayers for self and others
Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19. Please pray for Mark Sabala, working with Covid patients as a nurse, for the Pena family, the Howell family, and for all others who have been recently diagnosed with- or are recovering from- the virus.  As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here.  Please pray for those charged with testing for the virus and tracking those who may be exposed, that they would be enabled to do their jobs with care and diligence.  Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God.

Benediction:
Jesus says, “Surely I am coming soon.”
Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of the Lord Jesus
be with all the saints.
Alleluia!