(WRITTEN DURING THE LOCK-DOWN BECAUSE OF THE VIRUS)

Lord, we need PEACE at this time.

Many of us are frightened, unsure, distressed, bewildered, lonely and alone.  We obey the rules and stay in our homes but the uncertainty and not-knowing when it will all come to an end is unnerving.  Some will die.  Some won’t be affected at all, physically but will carry scars mentally for years to come.   We need you in our lives at this time, Lord, more than ever before.  We need to commit ourselves to you.  Your loving mercy will be there before we even ask and you will see that all will be well but we need the confidence of knowing that you are in charge.  You know what is going on and you will be always at our side.  Help us to be aware of your presence.  Keep us calm in the knowledge of your love.  Hold us in quietness and in your peace.

May your words, Lord, give us peace.

May the smile of a loved one give us peace.

May the hope in our hearts give us peace.

May the sunshine give us peace.

May the green shoots of spring give us peace.

May the song of the thrush give us peace.

May the memory of a hug give us peace.

May the sharing of prayer give us peace.

May the thought of a loved one give us peace.

May the call from a friend give us peace.

May the offer of help give us peace.

May the acceptance of service give us peace.

May the trust that all will be well give us peace.

May the sharing of news give us peace.

May the memory of times past give us peace.

May the Spiritual Communion give us peace.

May the memory of our last visit to church give us peace.

May the wave of a neighbour give us peace.

May the visit of the postman give us peace.

May the sharing of internet services give us peace.

May the dedication of our priests give us peace.

May the union of families give us peace.

May memories of loved one who have died give us peace.

May the communion of parishes give us peace.

May the indwelling of Christ give us peace.

May persistence in prayer give us peace.

May the knowledge of God’s love give us peace.

In our times of panic, distress, worries and concerns may we put all our cares into your hands, Lord, knowing that you have us there already and these human responses are signs of our frailty but the sign too, that without you, we are lost in a mire of despondency.

This time of worry comes at the time of our remembrance of your Resurrection; the time of your reminder to us that you are in charge, you are the one who conquers, you are the one who overcomes.

May this Easter season fill us with hope and trust in your love, your mercy and your concern for our well-being, now and into eternity.  Amen.

Fr David Benedictine hermit.