a blessing for pastors in a pandemic

A blessing for pastors in a pandemic.

Oh God, You see them, Your wounded healers, Your pastors serving in the midst of this pandemic confusion and isolation, struggling to find ways to reach their people in need.

Oh God, let them know beyond doubt that You are there,
and that they are not alone in this world.

God have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Spirit have mercy.

Blessed are we who lift them to You,
knowing that they are uniquely alone,
though we cannot ever really know the full extent of it.

Yet blessed are we who will pray for them,
and say oh Lord God, pastor them–these shepherds of our souls!
Gather them up as lambs into Your arms,
enfold them to Your heart.
May they feel Your love poured out for them so profusely, so personally,
that love overflows to You in return.
Grant them o God the very specific encouragement they need
that will set them on a joyful path of service again.
but not too soon!

Blessed are we who are bold to ask You:
provide for them rest for their bodies, nourishment for their souls,
and a trusted friend for life’s most perplexing questions.
guide them in practical ways as they seek
to find ways to lead their congregations, to worship safely,
comfort people in their sickness, console them in their grief,
and celebrate with them life’s greatest joys.

And grant them grace to know somehow, that in your economy
Your love has a math that compounds according to the
mystical science of the cross.

Let Your unfailing love surround us, Lord,
for our hope is in You alone. Psalm 33:22

God have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Spirit have mercy.

Pray for one pastor today, and tomorrow send a note of encouragement. and candy.