Along with churches throughout the country, Co-Mission churches in London are adjusting to life in the face of a global pandemic. We are finding new ways to keep congregations connected, preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and care practically for one another and our neighbours.
On Sunday 15 March, Dundonald Church met together for the last time before social-distancing rules made church gatherings impossible. Richard Coekin (Senior Pastor of Dundonald Church) led the congregation in this expanded version of the Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father in heaven – thank you for Jesus in whom you have adopted us as your beloved children; help us remember that sickness and death will never separate us from your love, help us believe you will be with us through whatever lies ahead, and help us trust you are fully in control and perfectly good.
Hallowed be your name – we pray this crisis will result in much praise for you. Please would believers be strengthened in their faith and unbelievers recognise our human frailty and mortality and turn from sin to worship you.
Your kingdom come – until Jesus returns to rescue us from this world of pain, as far as this virus spreads, we pray your kingdom will grow further. May the hearts of people of all nations find in Jesus the sure hope of resurrection into your new creation, free from sickness, suffering and death to enjoy you forever.
Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven – Father, we rejoice in your sovereign power; in your mercy, please end this crisis soon, deliver us and all your people, and may your gracious plans to save the lost be advanced by this season of humbling.
Give us this day our daily bread – thank you for dedicated doctors, nurses and other NHS staff, for our government and its advisors. Please grant them the wisdom and endurance they need. Sustain us with the daily bread of Christ crucified for our sins, in the living bread of your Word. Reassure us when we’re anxious, heal us when we’re sick, strengthen us when we must die, comfort us in our bereavement, and embolden us to share the gospel of Jesus, the living bread we all need.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us – have mercy where we have presumed upon our health, forgotten our frailty, or neglected to thank you for your daily care and protection. Forgive us because Christ died for our sins, count us acceptable in His perfect righteousness, and in the light of your mercy, help us show mercy to all.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil – deliver us through this time of testing. Help us resist every temptation to doubt your love. Help us stand firm in our faith against Satan’s lies, knowing that all over the world your people are enduring the same kind of trials.
For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
