Praying Through CoronavirusSample

Connection in a time of isolation

Today, as we reflect on the importance of connection in a time of isolation, we turn to the beautiful story of Jesus healing a sick woman, imagining the changing expressions on her face and on his face as this encounter unfolds.

Jesus doesn’t seem particularly interested in performing an impersonal miracle. Power short-circuits from his body and - after twelve years of suffering and shame - this poor woman is instantly healed. Hallelujah!

But immediately he swings around, needing a name, scanning the crowd for a face, seeking the dignity of a personal encounter. 

All too often I want Jesus for his power, but he only wants me for myself. In this age of face-masks, hand sanitisers and elbow pumps his priority is touch; facial recognition; the connection of a deeper relationship.

In this time of isolation people need connection more than ever. Thinking through the day ahead, I ask the Lord to put particular people on my heart to call. To give me opportunities to smile and wave to those I might pass in the street. To help me love and listen to those I meet - even if it’s only online.

Pause and pray

I name before you now Lord those known to me who are self-isolating, asking that this may be a season in which they go deeper in their relationship with you.

Pause and pray

In Jesus’ day there were strict rules forbidding the touching of anyone or anything considered ritually unclean including lepers, corpses and even menstruating women. (Perhaps this kind of regulation of touch may seem a little less strange to us now, finding ourselves forbidden from hand-shaking and hugging, required to sanitise our hands after every encounter.)  

This poor woman was not just sick, she was untouchable. Years of chronic haemorrhaging had brought the added stigma of isolation and shame. No wonder she ‘came trembling and fell at Jesus' feet’. Her touch was supposed to infect Jesus, but instead his touch healed her, and his words restored her dignity.

Pause and pray

At this time of isolation from human touch, I take comfort today from the words of Jesus in Matthew 28, promising me his presence forever more: 

Hear the Word of the Lord: 

‘Surely,’ he says, ‘I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’