From Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, General Minister and President, United Church of Christ, Chair, NCC Governing Board
O God in whom we move and have our being, and with whose first breath we were once created, we bring to you our grief, our anxiety, and our fear.
As the world responds to this new threat to our health and well-being, and as more and more elderly and vulnerable people face an uncertain future with the spread of this virus, instill within us a new capacity for love and compassion.
We call for blessings upon the medical care workers who will treat the sick and dying.
We call for blessings on government officials and elected representatives who will manage and steward the resources needed to fight this virus.
We call for blessings on the children sent home from school, especially those whose parents can’t come home from work to take care of them or who might be missing meals while not at school.
We call for blessings on all who must travel during this season.
We call for blessings all who are grieving the passing of a loved one and who cannot gather to memorialize their beloved dead.
May the power of your abiding and steadfast love inspire us all as all to be people of compassion, hope, and joy as we discover anew that there is nothing that can separate us from that love.
We ask this prayer in the power of your most holy name,
AMEN