A broken tulip

For this Friday, here is a prayer adapted from the New Zealand Prayer Book, “Prayer for People Critically Ill or Facing Great Uncertainty.”

May the words bring comfort to wherever you are in the current craziness of this world. Remember, as you feel control slip out from between your fingers, that for so many people living day to day is a constant reality. Let the chaos around you open up deeper empathy in you to all the ones living unstable lives. If you have a chance, serve those people in your community who need help now, during lock-downs and lay-offs.

God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to all
who wait or work in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make them the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you.

And here’s a smile for you: a deserted street in Italy singing during the lockdown.