Be still and know that I am God
Psalm 46: 10
Finding Stillness
Stillness may be a way of preparing for prayer, or a kind of prayer in its own right. Some of these ways of coming to stillness may be helpful.
Find a relaxed, comfortable position in which to pray.
Become aware of your body. Beginning with the top of your head, be aware in turn of each part of your body. Pay attention to the feeling in each part. Remember God’s presence in you, in your body, and in your feelings; and remember that you are loved.
Become aware of sounds. Gently notice the sounds around you.
Without straining, concentrate on each in turn.
If you are distracted just acknowledge this to yourself and go back to listening. Remember God’s presence in these sounds, and in the people and activities they represent.
Become aware of your breathing. Don’t alter the rate or depth of your breathing: just be aware of it. You may like to give your whole attention to each breath: Remember God’s presence in your breathing. As you breathe in, accept God’s love and life; as you breathe out, let go of anything that distracts you.
A Prayer for Stillness
God of stillness and of creative action; Help us find space for quietness today. That we may live creatively.
Help us discover the inner meaning of silence, and learn the wisdom that heals the world.
Send peace and joy to each quiet place, to all who are waiting and listening. May your still small voice be heard.
Through Christ in the love of the Spirit. Amen
Prayers during this time of uncertainty
Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, you taught us to love our neighbour, and to care for those in need as if we were caring for you.
In this time of anxiety, give us strength to comfort the fearful, to tend the sick, and to assure the isolated of our love, and your love, for your name’s sake. Amen.
For those who are ill
God of compassion, be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation.
In their loneliness, be their consolation; in their anxiety, be their hope; in their darkness, be their light; through him who suffered alone on the cross,
but reigns with you in glory, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For hospital staff and medical researchers
Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those searching for a cure.
Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Christian community
We are not people of fear:
we are people of courage.
We are not people who protect our own safety:
we are people who protect our neighbours’ safety.
We are not people of greed:
we are people of generosity.
We are your people God,
giving and loving,
wherever we are, whatever it costs
For as long as it takes
wherever you call us.