To say that our world has been turned upside down over recent weeks and months would be the understatement of the millennium! The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way that we live for goodness knows how long. Indeed, I write this to you from home as my family and I are in the required 14-day isolation period following our return from South Africa. Many of the routines and certainties which have been central to our lives before this time have been shattered, and with them, many have lost the safe place in their comfort zones.
People react in very different ways when confronted by times such as these. Some respond with great fortitude, compassion, kindness and empathy. Those in the medical profession around the world have been at the forefront of treating the ill and have shown great courage in doing so. Please hold them in your prayers. Sadly, others have exhibited a self-centredness and greed that is shocking.
In times of such uncertainty and danger, many people turn to their faith as a source of solace. Being mindful of this and given the fact that it is likely that students will be at home for the foreseeable future, Reverend Jean-Pierre and I wish to provide as much spiritual support as we can for the whole Peter Moyes Anglican School Community; students, families and staff alike. We are still working through what this will look like in practical terms. We will be providing regular prayer and reflection bulletins. We are also investigating the option of providing online service, prayer and reflection videos. We will keep you updated as this develops.
As we go forward into this time of immense uncertainty, we offer the prayers below which I invite you to join in.
Please be assured of our prayers for you all. If anyone would like more personal support or would like to speak to us, please contact the School’s main reception. They will get a message to us.
God bless.
Reverend Dave
A prayer about the Coronavirus outbreak
Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
For those in isolation
God of compassion, be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation. In their loneliness, be their consolation; in their anxiety, be their hope; in their darkness, be their light; through him who suffered alone on the cross, but reigns with you in glory, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For those who are worried/social cohesion
Loving Jesus, you are compassionate to those in need and heal the sick in body and mind. Look kindly on those who are fearful at this time. Help us all to put away all thoughts and actions that separate us from you and from one another. Give us grace to live our lives confident in your promise that you are with us always. Amen
For those who are ill
Merciful God, we entrust to your unfailing and tender care, those who are ill or in pain, knowing that whenever danger threatens your everlasting arms are there to hold us safe. Comfort and heal them, and restore them to health and strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For hospital staff and medical researchers
Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those searching for a cure. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.