For some of us we are almost two weeks into lock down. It’s hard to keep praying about the same situation for a sustained period of time without it beginning to feel repetitious. We’ve been allowing Christian Concern to give us a renewed focus every couple of days. Today we give our attention to praying for forgiveness. This is perhaps a bit more challenging…

“There were some present at that very time who told [Jesus] about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, ‘Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.'” (Luke 13:1-5)

That God would forgive our sins – recognising that every disaster reminds us of our need to repent
That God would show mercy on us for our complacency – for believing in our own self-sufficiency and the ability to protect ourselves
That God would forgive our carelessness – for when we have mistreated the bodies and gifts he has given us and left ourselves vulnerable to illnesses
That God would forgive us for when we have loved money or comfort more than loving God or our neighbours
That God would forgive us for when we fear sickness or death more than him
That God would show mercy on us when we lose perspective by failing to help all those who die on a daily basis worldwide through abortion, euthanasia, persecution and other threats to human life