This Too Shall Pass — A Prayer for Another Saturday in Quarantine (Psalm 30)

Five weeks before this day, we had no idea what stood in front of us.
Life as we know it came to a halt.
Yet, none of this has taken You by surprise.
We say that out of a reality of hope rather than a pithy cliché.
You are the all-knowing God in amid an unknown future.
So today, we pause to pray for perspective.

This too shall pass…
Though this season in quarantine seems elongated, it’s only a blip.
History reminds us of the experiences of our forefathers and foremothers.
This season is only a blip in comparison to eternity.
So Lord, give us perspective as we wait.

Now more than ever, we live in the tension of the already, but not yet.
Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.
You exchange beauty for ashes.
You redeem the time that seems lost.
Wailing turns to dancing, and sackcloth goes to joy.
Help us to remember; this too shall pass.

As we enter another Saturday in lockdown, give us a vision of You.
Some have lost their jobs and gone on furlough.
Others are exhausted from the extra hours of work.
Medical professionals and government leaders have tarried long days and nights.
And we consider those who have contracted the virus.
Provide perseverance and strength for those who needed.

Sunday is coming, but we find ourselves on Saturday.
We live this day in the reality of the present, but hope for the future.
This too shall pass.

Amen

Photo by Adrien Delforge on Unsplash

Originally published at https://peterenglert.com on April 18, 2020.