All Christians have been invited to respond to the suggestion of the Archbishop of Canterbury, that we light a candle and place it in a window for people to see, at 7.00pm this Sunday (22 March) and every Sunday as long as the situation lasts. This candle will be a symbol of our shared hope and our commitment to prayer and action.

At such a time as this, when so many are fearful and there is great uncertainty, we are reminded of our dependence on our loving Heavenly Father and the future that he holds.

“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you” 1 Peter 5:7

Although we cannot worship together at the moment, we have the great privilege and freedom to be able to call upon God individually, wherever we are, for healing in our nation. Pray for all in leadership at this time, making decisions about the containment of the COVID-19 virus, for those working in health and social care, and especially for the most vulnerable, whether elderly or those with underlying health conditions.

Stories are already being told of wonderful acts of kindness. So, as well as praying, you could take the opportunity to telephone or email someone who is isolated, buy additional food for your local food bank, or offer to deliver shopping for someone less able. We may not be able to touch physically, but we can make connections in so many other ways.

This call to prayer and action, which is being promoted by many faith groups, is for that first candle to be lit on Mothering Sunday. For many this will be a time of thankfulness, but for some the remembrance is painful, and for others Mothering Sunday is a reminder of disappointment or loss. In many ways, this period under the shadow of the corona virus will be prompting similarly diverse reactions, so it seems especially appropriate that the call to prayer is made this Sunday.

Original material at www.cte.org.uk/calltoprayer,
but adapted using insights from many other sources