When did you last feel fully alive?

Today is Tuesday the 24th of March. This week we are focusing our prayers on the Coronavirus crisis, today exploring Christ’s invitation to connection in a time of isolation.

Pause

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly; to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God.

Pause and pray

Prayer of Approach
Unshakeable God, you are my ever-present help in times of trouble. Amidst all the isolation, grief and fear caused by this crisis, renew in me your peace, restore to me your perspective, and reveal to me your presence as I spend this time with you now.

Rejoice and Reflect
I choose to rejoice in God’s intricate involvement in my life today, joining with the ancient praise of all God’s people in the words of Psalm 139:13-17…

Today is Monday the 23rd of March. This week we will be focusing our prayers upon the Coronavirus crisis, beginning today with Christ’s invitation to love in a time of fear.

Pause

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God.

Pause and pray

Prayer of Approach
Unshakeable God, you are my ever-present help in times of trouble. Amidst all the isolation, grief and fear caused by this crisis, renew in me your peace, restore to me your perspective, and reveal to me your presence as I spend this time with you now.

Rejoice and Reflect
I choose to rejoice in the assurance of God’s protection and provision today, joining with the ancient praise of all God’s people in the words of Psalm 27:1-5…

In this article from Tuesday’s Daily Mail, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Archbishop of York John Sentamu say we should be looking out for our friends and neighbours during the Coronavirus crisis.

We are good in this country at holding our nerve and steadying one another. But a pandemic is something else; you can’t touch the virus, see it or even know where it is.

It may be spread by those who don’t even know they are infected. It is very serious for some, very mild for many.

Nevertheless, the effect of the virus could drive us apart. To some extent it must do. When someone we care for has it or is at risk, they must be isolated.

That is particularly so for older people and the most vulnerable, the ones by whose beds we want to sit and hold their hands, expressing our love with touch.

As in epidemics throughout history the fear we feel disturbs us very deeply, and dread comes upon us.