I hope that these emails and prayers are useful, and that you are able to spend a few minutes at noon each day, as we pray together as a church family. Please do keep sending your prayer suggestions to me, so that we can make sure we are praying around the needs, burdens and encouragements of our whole church family.
Monday
Gentle Saviour, we remembered yesterday how you came into a locked room to show yourself, first to the disciples, and then especially to Thomas, so that all your followers were given the evidence they needed to trust and follow you. Our houses are shut too, but you are no more limited now than you were then. Please give us the peace and trust we need to follow you this week, and help us to know your presence, especially if we are feeling lost, doubtful or alone. Amen.
Tuesday
Living Lord, Conqueror of Death, we remember with gladness how on the day of your resurrection you appeared to the disciples and said to them "Peace be with you". Speak that word into our hearts today so that we may face whatever the future holds in store for us, calm and unafraid. Lift us above all our doubts and fears, confident that neither death nor life can part us from your love, and may your peace be with now and for evermore. Amen.
Wednesday
Sustainer of the universe, we pray today for those who are feeling drained by their ongoing lives in lockdown. Whether their jobs are demanding, family responsibilities seem heavy and without respite, loneliness seems without hope, or for any other reason, please would you lift them by your Spirit. Help us all to take our eyes off the difficulties we face, and instead to fix them joyfully on you, as we take each next step along the path you have given us. Amen.
Thursday
Thank you, Lord, for the resilience of those who are using their skills in new ways at the moment for the sake of others. Thank you for the equipment, masks and scrubs that are being made in new places; we pray that they will be used well. Thank you too for all the medical and scientific advisors involved in managing COVID19. Please speed them in their quest to prevent the virus spreading, give them clarity of mind to analyse the data accurately, and use their knowledge for good. Amen.
Friday
Loving Father, would you strengthen and encourage all those who work as cleaners in hospitals, care homes and any organisation providing for vulnerable people right now. Please aid them in their important work, and would they know the value in what they do. Amen.
Saturday
Heavenly Father, we bring to you in our prayers all whom we love in our family circle but who at the moment we can no longer meet or see. We know that your love for them is much greater than ours and that your will for them is all that is good, so have them in your keeping, O Lord, and give them now and always the fullness of your blessing. And we bring to you also in our prayers all lonely people as the moment who maybe have no family and are shut in their homes, isolated and afraid. We ask that friends and neighbours may be enabled to reach them and lift them out of their loneliness and bring some comfort and hope. We ask it in Christ's name. Amen.