Father God,

Today, I pray for those whose health hinders, even prevents their coming together for the services of the church. I pray for those whose health disrupts not only their daily life and function, but separates them from the body of Christ physically. I pray for those who become isolated, sometimes even forgotten, at least unattended to by the body.

I pray for those who need a helping hand rather than an admonishment. I pray for those who need a kind word and comfort rather than a chastisement. I pray for those who need the body to come to them rather than to leave them in their darkness.

I pray that the true body of Christ would see where its weaker and wounded brothers and sisters need one-anothering. I pray that the true body of Christ would set aside their conveniences and comforts to meet the weaker in body where they wait. I pray that the true body would demonstrate with boldness and clarity to the world that the body of Christ is not an institution but the very children of God loving one another.

May we repent of neglecting those in our midst who need the presence of a Christian brother or sister incarnate in real fellowship.

In Christ’s Name,

Amen.