Psalm 91

  “Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.” Psalm 91:5-6

  As of last night, I felt the need to write this morning: firstly to touch base with my global family in this time of crises and uncertainty and secondly, to encourage all of us to pray for the world, our countries, our villages, our neighbours and our families.

  It is easy to get swept up in the panic and, I admit, I have to do some real wrangling to not let the situation get a hold of me. Thankfully, I am not home alone because a friend, who was staying with me for a bit, has elected to stay on longer. If we end up being quarantined, neither of us wants to be housebound alone during the storm.

  Here in Canada, all the grocery stores have empty shelves. It is surreal in a land of plenty to see such need. It is surreal in a land of plenty to see such greed.

  Please pray that a heart of generosity and community will rise above all other considerations.

 

  My heart is burdened in knowing there are people who lack the means to stock up. There are people who have been laid off their jobs as businesses close their doors according to government instructions.

  There are people who have no place of sanctuary…this is the greatest burden on my heart. The nights are cold, the days are cold. We had snow flurries yesterday. With libraries, restaurants, and even our drop-in closed (this week at least), there is no place for those in dire need to come in and get warm.

  Please pray for those living in the squalid, unsanitary, crowded conditions of refugee camps throughout the globe.

  Please pray for those who have lost loved ones to Covid-19.

  Please pray for those who are sick.

  Please pray for our governments and health services: the decision makers, the doctors, nurses and staff who are on the front lines.

 

  This pandemic is an opportunity to drive home that we are a global village. What affects one place, affects everyone. Let this lesson become the birthplace of unprecedented global peace and partnerships.

  Thank you and God be with you all.