Prayers during the pandemic. Led by the Bishop of Bristol.

Individuals and churches can now be led in prayer by Bishop Viv as we continue to respond to the challenges our society faces.

This online resource was recorded as Bishop Viv led the Diocesan Synod through themes of Praise, Lament and Hope with the aim that others might used it as a stimulus for prayer – on your own, in small groups or as churches.

Please click to play each video and pause with each section to pray.

INTRODUCTION

Bishop Viv introduces this prayer retreat with a reflection based on Job 42:1-3.

Job is humbled and satisfied.
Then Job answered the Lord:
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me, which I did not know."

PRAISE

Pray:

"We consider now our own encounters with God, and if we are able, we praise God for the mystery of those encounters."

Pause and spend some time praying prayers of praise and thanksgiving.

Psalm 100:4
"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."

LAMENT

Bishop Viv read the following piece in her introduction (above):
A telephone lament for Coronavirus by Mark Tan

https://medium.com/@mark.tan.zy/telephone-lament-for-coronavirus-5180d2984617

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08bjlqw

Pray:

Spend some time with the Lord reflecting on this difficult period and listening to the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 102:1-2
"A Prayer of the Afflicted when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the Lord. Hear my prayer, O Lord!
And let my cry for help come to You.
Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my distress;
Incline Your ear to me;
In the day when I call answer me quickly."

HOPE

Pray:

Spend a few moments in silence. What are you hearing from the Lord at this time? Pray into these things for ourselves, our families, our churches, our nation and our world.

Psalm 33:22
"May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you."

A FINAL BLESSING

CONCLUSION

Thank you for joining us on this prayer journey, we hope you found the content and the space it provided both helpful and a blessing.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen.