Today marks the second day of the week-long Global Ecumenical Call to Prayer for COVID which has been organised by a group made up of the World Council of Churches, World Vision International, The World Evangelical Alliance and the Mennonite World Conference – MWC CMM, and the purpose of the venture is to raise awareness of the implications of the pandemic for communities everywhere and to encourage and resource prayers from Christians of all faith traditions.Today we remember the millions suffering from food insecurity, children and youth being trafficked and the 235 million people worldwide who need living assistance. The devastating aftershocks of the Covid-19 pandemic are putting at least 85 million more children at risk of violence as isolation measures force them to stay at home.
Today’s Scripture Reading comes from Romans 12: 9 – 21 (New Revised Standard Version) “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.“
A prayer of Intercession and a reflection are available here along with some key messaging and facts from World Vision about how the covid-19 pandemic has affected our world to date.
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