By Wilma Clarke
In these uncertain times, the one thing we can be certain of is God’s covenant to us. There are a couple of Psalms that provide comfort in this time of the Coronavirus pandemic. I find Psalm 91 in particular resonates deeply. I also read Psalm 16, and I am reminded that “You are my Lord, and I have no good apart from you” Ps 16:2 (NIV).
The Psalms remind us that humans have been facing frightening times and stress always. However, the Psalms usually end with the concept that, although things are bad and often frightening, God is always there with us. God is a Redeemer, Deliverer, and Comforter. One interesting way to calm ourselves during these times is to write our own Psalm, or prayer. You can use your own words, and visual images, and those of you who are really creative can even set it to music! If you are artistic, you can draw or paint a prayer. Writing our own prayer helps us to centre on God, and it helps us to step outside of ourselves as we may find ourselves praying our deepest desires for the health of all people and our planet.
If we can make home-made bread, and home-made pies, why not a home-made prayer or Psalm that allows us to express ourselves, and our feelings to God? If you accept this creative challenge, and want to post your prayer or psalm on the Christ Church Facebook Page, please email it to Fr. Don. I have taken some time to prepare mine today, (it was so calming I might do another one), as follows:
A Prayer for Mercy
Lord, Giver of Life, your creation is groaning,
We feel helpless before this unseen foe,
Our lives are shut down, we are hidden in our shelters,
Wondering why this is happening, wanting to trust in You.
O God, please hear our plea for salvation,
Listen to our cries for your mercy,
Help us to see you in the midst of these times,
And help us to remember your ways.
You are a God of great mercy,
A God of compassion and grace,
We dwell in your presence and feel your calm,
Knowing everything is in its place.
We pray you will keep us Lord, from this time of trial
And bring us to a broader place, full of sun and laughter,
As creation births anew, and we enjoy the spring.
God have mercy on us so we once again can sing.
Wilma Clarke is a trained spiritual director and parishioner at Christ Church, Bolton. To learn more about her ministry, you can email our pastor and we will be sure to connect you with her.
