A number of individuals have written books reflecting on our Faith and our response to the current Pandemic as Christians. In today’s thought for the day may I suggest one very helpful book.
Written by Water Brueggemann and entitled, “Virus as a Summons to Faith”.
In this book written in just six weeks Professor Brueggemann offers profound, insightful and practical application. He successfully manages to marry deep biblical truth and guidance to provide wisdom to face the present crisis.
The opening chapters are perhaps the most useful of all, here Walter portrays a merciful God who provides a firm basis for faith in the face of pandemic and Prayer as a powerful tool in contextualising disaster.
Much of this book is based on Psalm 77, which is a Psalm about turning to God, trusting in God and looking beyond self.
In this book we are challenged to turn from narrow pre-occupation with self to focus on the larger self we find in God; to turn to the mysterious and unknowable divine, who liberates us to create a community of care.
A Prayer
This day God we pause to thank for all those who help and guide our thoughts
All those who help us to see beyond ourselves and the current situation.
Forgive us good lord our habits of denial and despair.
Help us to look to new life and new creation in and through you.
Help us to experience in greater depth, the abiding true that there is nothing in all creation that will separate us from your love.
(Bible References Psalm 77 and the closing verses of Romans 8 v.37-39)