Pastor's Corner: The Lord is near

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul writes “rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (4:4-7).

As Christians, it is part of our calling to be a prophetic voice for our brothers and sisters suffering around the world. As the coronavirus has captured the headlines in recent weeks, misinformation and fear of the unknown has raised anxiety and caused widespread concern. The virus has exposed the vulnerability and fragility of the global community as we recognize how inextricably connected we are to one another. As we all struggle with the terrible impact of the deadly virus that has infected so many people around the world, we call upon our God for help and healing.

We pray for healing for those who are infected, and for all who already have lost loved ones to the illness, and those who yet will suffer such loss. We pray for the health and well-being of doctors, nurses, and aides providing medical care. We pray for wisdom for the experts who are urgently seeking ways to control the spread of the virus. We pray for public officials who must make the hard decisions about the quarantining of those who may have been exposed to the virus. We stand with the Church in China and around the world as they seek to bring Christ’s healing presence. We remember that millions of God’s children live in places where the access to medical care is inadequate or nonexistent. The Lord is near.

We also remember that there are so many opportunities to worship and rejoice in our God. Heritage Presbyterian Church in Acworth, Georgia, put out a reminder to worship while you wash – “Wash your hands and say your prayers, because Jesus and germs are everywhere!” There are many ways we can praise God in 20-30 seconds while we wash our hands. For instance, sing a verse of a hymn: the Doxology, “Morning Has Broken,” “Be Thou My Vision.” Sing the chorus of “Here I Am Lord,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Say The Lord’s Prayer.

Friends, we have a God who so loves the world. Let us remember the connectivity of the Body of Christ as we call upon our Prince of Peace in the midst of trying times. May the Peace of God guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

——

The Rev. Maggie Lewis

First Presbyterian Church, Havre

Chinook Presbyterian Church