A Message from Rev. Dr.
Durrell Watkins
There is a lot of angst in our
country these days. We are often divided, suspicious, angry, and even afraid.
In all of this confusion, we need to be kind to ourselves, and we must try to
be respectful of one another.
We have witnessed epidemics, wars,
natural disasters, Depressions and Recessions, periods of social unrest, and we
have recovered after each difficult time; likewise, we will get through the
difficulties of this present time. I know that God is with us, and luckily, we
have one another. I also know that the power of prayer gives us strength,
courage, hope, and a peace that circumstances cannot take from us. So, we will
continue to gather weekly for worship and prayer, to affirm possibilities, to
encourage one another, and to praise the loving Power that holds each of us in
good times and in challenging times. As we so often declare, "all shall be
well." Things may not be easy nor quickly resolved, but ultimately,
"all shall be well, all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be
well."
As our elected officials argue
about the best direction to take our country, as our social and democratic
institutions are tested and tried, and as we the people sort out our common
values and dreams, we will find that prayer, worship, and shared community can
sustain us. I hope you will commit to praying with me for the highest Good of
all.
One of the issues that we hear a
lot about every day is access to healthcare in this country. Some want a single
payer, universal system that assures care for everyone. Others believe that
free market competition will eventually provide the best opportunities. These
philosophical differences will not soon be reconciled but we must acknowledge
that all people deserve the best possible care and many are afraid of losing
the care they currently have. Our politicians will try to come to some
resolution on the matter, and whatever they work out is unlikely to be perfect,
but come what may, we can hope and pray and comfort one another. Let's do just
that.
Today,
let us pray for the health of the people of our country, and for healthy ways
of resolving our conflicts, and for all people to have their needs adequately
met from cradle to grave. I believe in the power of prayer. And so, let us
pray:
God of abundant and
endless life,
We ask you
to heal the suspicions and divisions, fears and hatreds in our wounded nation.
We ask you to fill our hearts with hope and peace. We ask you to give us
the wisdom, compassion, and courage to seek, to demand, and to expect equal
opportunity, equal protection, and equal rights for all. And as the
political pendulum swings left and right, help us to listen to the "better
angels of our nature" and let us know that ultimately, all will be
well.
Today,
especially, we pray for those who need medical care, those who are afraid of
losing access to medical care, and for those who have been entrusted to work on
our behalf to promote the general welfare. We can't know how exactly things
will unfold in the days ahead, but we can know that no matter what, you are
always with us and where you are, all good is possible.
We invite your blessings into our lives, Holy One. Give us
grace equal to every need and in your great mercy, grant us peace. Amen.
