Signs of the Spirit

As we pray, O God,

for signs of your spirit

at work in our lives today,

Open our eyes

Stir up our hearts to recognise

the myriad ways you reveal your power

played out by ordinary people:

In the son who drops off his mother’s shopping

in her porch week by week

staying outside to ensure she stays healthy

Right there is your Spirit at work

In the bereaved siblings who, scattered throughout the country

allow strangers to lay their beloved parent to rest

to prevent the virus’s spread

Right there is your Spirit at work

In the new parents forced to choose

which of them remains in hospital with their young baby

while the other waits alone and anxious at home.

Right there is your Spirit at work

In the staff nurse who sleeps

in temporary accommodation

to prevent exposing his family to danger

Right there is your Spirit at work

In the teacher who reads stories online to her class

or who, from her kitchen, teaches them to prepare food

that the school gathers and shares with their vulnerable community

Right there is your Spirit at work

In the hospital staff who spend hours

cooped up in gloves and gowns and masks

finding ways to communicate care

Right there is your Spirit at work

In the teenagers who curb their restlessness 

to stay at home

Right there is your Spirit at work

In all of these

are the tongues of fire

speaking the language of love

Love that reaches beyond restriction

to unite humanity

in the common task of healing.

And as we recognise these signs of your Spirit at work today

keep us from judging others

May we who are blessed to be able

to make the right choices

show compassion to those

whose options are fewer.

And when we find our spirits flagging

pour out your Spirit on us

again and again

For you gave your Spirit

not in one time

and one place

But for all times

and all places.

Transform our lives

and our world

Today.