Prayer For Others – August 16, 2020

When upon the storms of life you’re tossed about,
When you are discouraged, and begin to doubt,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done

Heavenly Father, we are tossed about upon the storms of life.
We share anxiety and uncertainty about COVID-19
and its impact on health, comfort and wellbeing.
We also may have individual storms of life.
Whilst easier said than done,
we pray for Your encouragement
to count our blessings and be mindful of how much You have done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Lord God, we think of those with significant health concerns for themselves or loved ones.
Continue to share these loads of care and place Your encouraging and healing hands over these situations.
Grant us peace to be mindful of the access to health services, the skill and resilience of health professionals
and the diligence and focus of scientific researchers, especially in developing a COVID-19 vaccine.

When you look at others with their lands and gold.
Thing that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Almighty Lord, many also face challenges to economic wellbeing due to unemployment or other adjustments that create difficulties to making ends meet.
Remind us of our ultimate citizenship in Heaven and of how fortunate we are to have care from loved ones, access to support services and a relatively peaceful society.

So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Good Shepherd, You are over all, nothing can separate us from Your love and You hear our prayers.
Minister to us through Your Holy Spirit, Your angels and Your Church.
Thank you for the encouragement and friendship shared throughout the Gungahlin Uniting Church community.

Count your blessings, name them one by one:
Count your blessings see what God has done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God has done. AMEN

Ian Bartholomew, August 2020