Faith in a Time of Pandemic – Prayers Inspired by a Steeple

XIX.
PRAYERS INSPIRED BY A STEEPLE

“Pray without ceasing.” (I Thessalonians 5:17)

Each morning as I take my walk on the Centerville beaches, I spend a moment praying for the congregation I pastor as I gaze at the church’s steeple. I pray that we be a healing force in the community, that we reach out to the world around us, that we are safe, and in our safety that we serve others. This ritual has become central to my prayer life.

Prayer is a non-local phenomenon. We are connected immediately in spirit, despite our distances. Sheltering in place we are connected in the intricate, dynamic fabric of relatedness, and with the dynamic, intricate and intricate movements of God.

Perhaps you have a way of staying connected spiritually with others, despite sheltering in place. You can pray as you look at photos of friends on Facebook. You can visualize God’s light surrounding people on the church directly. You can make lists to write to regularly via snail, messaging, or email. You can pray as you watch the news, even for those politicians whose approaches vastly differ from your own.

Your whole life can become a prayer. An opportunity to connect with others and God in a holy and life-supporting way.

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Let my life be a prayer. Let every thought connect me with others. Let me reach out in love every day.

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Bruce Epperly is a Cape Cod pastor, professor, and author of over 50 books including FAITH IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC, PIGLET’S PROCESS: PROCESS THEOLOGY FOR ALL GOD’S CHILDREN, and BECOME FIRE: GUIDEPOSTS FOR INTERSPIRITUAL PILGRIMS.