Daily Prayers and Scriptures: Tuesday, March 31

During this time in which the whole world is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are posting Daily Bible Readings from the International Bible Lessons for Christian Teaching, Spring 2020, plus a meditation to help guide your prayers, for your inspiration and encouragement.  Do you know someone that would benefit from these emails?  Please forward this link to friends, family, and your church. Matthew 21:1-11, NRSV Hosanna! 21 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” 4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, 5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.” Enveloping Love and Endless Compassion By Rev. Katey Zeh, Strategist, Author, Speaker Holy God, the one who connects us all, in these chaotic times we are mindful of how fragile our world is and how vulnerable we are. Our defenses are down, and our fear is turned up. We long for clarity and answers that will bring reassurance and hope. In the absence of certainty, may we cling to your enveloping love and endless compassion. Christ, who brings good news to the oppressed, we are outraged by the greed, selfishness, and individualism on display in this global crisis. Though at times we feel powerless, we know that you are with us as we continue the work of justice. In our moments of anger, may we feel the loving power of your presence that never wavers, and may we be guided by your wisdom as we cry out for justice. Spirit of Love, our brains are spiraling with racing thoughts of what is to come in the days ahead. We are inundated with news and data, and we are left wondering what decisions to make in impossible situations. On our sleepless nights and in our fearful wakefulness, may we encounter your peace that eases our anxiety and calms our worried minds. Amen. You can follow our daily readings, prayers, and meditations on our website at http://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/topics/daily/.  Be safe, healthy, and blessed during this time.

Serving as a leading voice of witness to the living Christ in the public square since 1950,  the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) brings together 38 member communions  and more than 40 million Christians in a common expression of God's love and promise of unity.  http://nationalcouncilofchurches.us