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Prayers from Psalms

¹ In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me:
“Flee like a bird to your mountain.
² For look, the wicked bend their bows;
they set their arrow against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
³ When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
⁴ The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth; His eyes examine them.
~ Psalm 11:1-4

When things are unstable, when the foundations are being shaken, we can be tempted to try and run away. But where can we run to? For the Christian the only place is the refuge of the Lord. What can the righteous do? We can follow Christ and we can pray.

Petition: Please join with us in praying for:

1. Iran – The number of confirmed cases is 116,635, with 6,902 deaths of those with Covid-19.
   Iran was one of the first countries outside China to have a mass outbreak – largely because of visitors from China. Like other authoritarian regimes, there is considerable doubt over the figures – with some estimates suggesting that there are over 40,000 deaths.
2. Queensland – now has had 1054 cases (up 9 from a week ago), with 6 deaths (up 0).
   In Australia there have been 7,019 cases (up 31 – the highest for three weeks – largely because of an increase in Victoria). There have been 98 deaths (up 0). 6,337 people have recovered (up 36). 46 are in hospital (17 in ICU). 983,816 people have been tested, with 0.7% being positive.
3. Teachers who are either back at, or are preparing to return to, school.
4. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that scientists working in Australia on a vaccine are optimistic about having one by the beginning of 2021.
5. There can be tensions within churches and within denominations about how to cope with this situation – when to reopen and how to react to changing developments.
   Pray for wisdom, love and unity.

A Prayer of Repentance:
O Lord God, we confess that sometimes we allow our fears and doubts to dominate.
We flee to other refuges than You. But who do we have but You?
Enable us not to forsake You – our ultimate and only refuge. Amen.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving:
Lord God, You have made humanity in Your image.
You have given us language, morality and intelligence.
We bless You for the many gifts You have granted to us.
We pray for the scientists amongst us who are seeking to develop a vaccine –
give them clarity of thought and purpose. Grant humility and wisdom.
Have mercy upon us, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

___

Daily devotions by David Robertson via Christians United — COVID19 Call to Prayer.

[Photo by Sara Kurfeß on Unsplash]