Loving Lord,
You have invited us to come to you and follow you,
And so, we assemble today in worship, coming into
Your presence.
You have invited us to put ourselves aside, to forget
Self and draw near to the Source and Center of all in
Your presence.
You have invited us to take up our cross, to go with
You, stoop under its load, aware we are the borne in
Your presence.
Yes, Loving Lord, we’re the afflicted contagion-carriers
You welcome, embrace, and love us free of lethal toxins in
Your presence.
Yes, Loving Lord, you bid the sick and dying to give to
You their deadly contagion and receive their healing in
Your presence.
Loving Lord,
Let this happen today in all the places we gather!
Help us turn from our selfish ways, to follow your
Lead, to lay ourselves down for others, assured that
Walking with you will lead to life that is Life indeed,
Even if first we must walk through shadows of death.
Help those who are walking through shadows today.
Whether infected with literal viral contagion or other
Sicknesses of body or soul, let them know they are
Not alone, nor are they defined by their illness; and
Healing from you awaits them.
In your name we pray, amen.