I hope you won’t mind a few extra messages in the interim between now and when we meet again.
Today I’d like to share with you some tips from the World Health Organization, a psalm, suggest ways to pray and worship until we meet again, and also update our prayer list.
5 Ways to Stop the spread of Corona Virus
(tips from the World Health Organization)
- HANDS Wash them often
- ELBOW Cough into it
- FACE Don’t touch it
- FEET Stay more than 3ft apart
- FEEL sick? Stay home
Psalm 46
- God is our refuge and strength, *
a very present help in trouble. - 2
- Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, *
and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea; - 3
- Though its waters rage and foam, *
and though the mountains tremble at its tumult. - 4
- The LORD of hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold. - 5
- There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, *
the holy habitation of the Most High. - 6
- God is in the midst of her;
she shall not be overthrown; *
God shall help her at the break of day. - 7
- The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken; *
God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away. - 8
- The LORD of hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold. - 9
- Come now and look upon the works of the LORD, *
what awesome things he has done on earth. - 10
- It is he who makes war to cease in all the world; *
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,
and burns the shields with fire. - 11
- “Be still, then, and know that I am God; *
I will be exalted among the nations;
I will be exalted in the earth.” - 12
- The LORD of hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Worship and Prayer
It is uncertain at this time when it will be safe to resume public worship. Our bishop and our denomination have urged us to use online methods for the time being. Your council president and I will continue to monitor the situation and make a decision on a week by week basis as to when we can resume our normal worship schedule.
In the interim, I can suggest the following:
1. Read your Bible. If you are looking for a place to start, begin with the Psalms. Read one, two, or three a day and meditate on them. Then turn to the Gospels. Then continue as the Spirit leads you. Feel free to reach out to me for suggestions.
2. There are online resources for prayer and worship. One resource currently being developed in our synod is Good Shepherd Lutheran’s YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.
3. Prayer. There are several resources for prayer. When in doubt, pray the Lord’s Prayer. And I know this will sound a little crazy, but I once heard of a prayer technique for when you don’t know what to say. Pray the alphabet. Let God take the letters and form the sentences. It may be silly at first, but I dare you to try it and see what comes of it.
Keep Well!
PRAYER CONCERNS:
For Christian M. (Marines) and all service personnel.
For the friends and family of Barry Sherman (Gary’s brother) and Paul Sheaffer (Ruth’s brother) who recently died.
For those in our congregation who are ill or recovering from illness this week, their friends, and the loved ones who care for them,
Don and Joanne, Jacques, Pam, Betty Lou, Mark, Paula, Pat, Judy, Seth, Paula, Samara Lee, Marge, DJ, Margaret, the Valezquez family, the Boyne family, the Hanes family and all who ask the Lord’s healing and mercy.