God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.

It is clear that staying home (social distancing) will save lives–potentially a million lives. Social distancing may save our own lives and the lives of those we love.  It may enable our health care system to cope and save lives of health care workers.  Staying home is holy work.  It is our duty to love one another and love God by opening our hearts and keeping our distance even when hard.  Staying home is the work of justice and love.

Prayer transforms our lives. The power of a community to come together in prayer and love matters deeply.  The sisters at Our Lady of Grace Monastery through their life of prayer and hospitality warmed my soul and transformed my ministry.  Now as their doors are physically closed, they are broadcasting their evening prayer on facebook.  It matters that there are communities gathering in prayer all around us and that we are joining those communities.

Prayer comes in many different forms.  Carrie Newcomer sings a song, “A Shovel is a Prayer.”

A meal prepared with love is a prayer.

A cup of coffee while staring out the window is a prayer.

A phone call is a prayer.

Silence is a prayer.

Creating something whether a pair of mittens, a cutting board, a recipe book, a design is a prayer.

A bag of groceries left on a neighbor’s door step is a prayer.  And receiving a bag of groceries on the doorstep is a prayer.

Our lives have been interrupted and upended.  How will we use this interruption?  What will we learn about ourselves as individuals and as a community? Will be able to slow down for the deeper good?   Let us start by resting in God and praying for and with each other.

We need each other and a sense of God’s abiding presence more than ever.  Let us pray.