Much of my personal devotional time of Bible reading and prayers are being spent in the Psalms, particularly Psalm 13 and Romans 12. Paul challenges me in our present circumstances when he writes,
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality (Romans 12.11–13 ESV).
It is counter-intuitive that actively loving our neighbor involves withdrawing from our neighbor. There are a wide variety of experiences people may be experiencing. Some of us may be bored, afraid, or even angry and resentful. We long for reprieve and look for outlets.
During this time, let us hear our Lord’s invitation to come and rest (Matthew 11:28-30). Blaise Pascal famously said, “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” That is true enough, but our present circumstances reveal that the problem of this virus is driving us to stay at home, and we are being confronted daily with our meager abilities to be alone. Let us be strengthened in the Lord.
Take comfort, we are never alone. The Lord is always with us. Take advantage of opportunities to greet one another, and thereby show the hospitality that flows from the welcome of the Gospel. Sure, we have to be creative, but may we also remain diligent.
May our minds, hearts, and hands bear witness to the love of God for the world. May the people of God cry out to him for his mercies.
Be Constant in Prayer
- Lord, give mercy.
- Lord, give strength to and protect our health care workers and first responders.
- Lord, give wisdom and courage to our elected officials for decisions and actions.
- Lord, we pray for people who are experiencing:
- grief due to the loss of loved ones through death
- loneliness due to the loss of closeness from family and friends
- disappointment due to the loss of planned events for school, sports, proms, and family trips, etc.
- anxiety and fears due to loss of jobs, and the unknowns associated with increasing financial hardship
- Lord, we pray for those who are impacted in other ways:
- people struggling with other health concerns and medication needs
- spouses and/or children who are in unsafe, abusive homes
- homelessness
- addictions
- further strain on people’s mental health
- Lord, give mercy.
Contribute to the Needs
- Please consider consider giving to our Diaconal fund.
- Consider other ways put together by Community Action Council of Howard County.
- Consider contributing to two organizations our people partner; see info below:
Grassroots Day Center. Our church has a team people who participate in working with with Grassroots Day Center. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS LOCAL MISSION TEAM
Here are some needs the Day Center | more info on their website
- Pork and Beans
- Canned Meats: Chicken, Salmon, Vienna Sausage
- Chunky Soup-Any variety
- Chef Boyardee
- Bottled Water-16oz bottles
- Shelf Stable juice pouches and/or boxes
Staff will be in the Day Resource Center from 10am to 1pm on Mondays and Wednesdays and Saturdays to receive food donations. They are unable to accept clothing donations at this time, however, they will continue to deliver food and supplies to people outside.
Salaam Center: Ministering to Refugees. The Salaam Center is a ministry in Baltimore that people at Columbia Pres partner with in ministry. You can read more about the center and ways to contribute on the Salaam Center’s website and facebook page.
POC from CPC: Ken Williams | Gift bags can be dropped off at his home. Please contact prior to let them know you are coming with items.