Once upon a time there was a virus.
It went by many different names.
At first many thought it was “harmless,”
like it and flu were the same.

Then, fear led the surge across the land.
Time passed and this virus grew.
CoVid 19 has claimed many lives
and, for a time, changed the life most knew.

Some children who once “hated”
school days began to see
the gift of school they once had
they wished normal could once again be.

Some parents before so busy
spent time with family
a treasure had been missing
perhaps they’ll rethink the time called free.

Distancing from people,
deepened the yearning for them more.
Simple things like church, school, work or shopping
were seen more like a blessing than a chore.

Prayer became more known and needed
for some than it ever had before.
And caring for your neighbor
began to happen more and more.

Many things have become idols Lord
standing between Your beloved and You.
Some things were taken for a time
Father, You’ll stop at nothing, it’s true.

The attitude of appreciation
seems for now to have grown
but when things get back to “normal”
Lord will this lesson prove known?

Will Your people remember
these lessons learned in strife?
Will relationships continue to matter
in this thing we call life?
Will Your love and blessings
be more proclaimed than before?
Or will “business as usual”
return in this world once more?

Father I pray after this
there is less hatred and less haste
Oh Lord, How I pray all the hurt and pain
isn’t just for waste.

I pray we step back from opinions
too see the Truth of what really is “deserved”
bend our knees and bow our heads
for the cup we have been served.

A Savior many years ago
came to heal the land.
Jesus bore the wage of sin and death
at our selfish demand.

He suffered such deep sorrow
much more than physical pain.
He made the way that tomorrow
together with God we can remain.

Lord, let us not be like the rich young ruler,
that couldn’t bear to deny himself.
Help us lean into your direction
and deny this worlds “rights and wealth.”

I pray Father,
Your people lean into Your Holy Word.
That Christians start to live forgiven,
that your Holy Spirit may be heard.

Father forgive me for all the ways
I have failed to shine for You.
Help me Lord to remain
in this life honored to glorify You.

Keep my heart tender to conviction
turning callus Lord is so easy to do.
Help me Lord make corrections,
and be a life You redeem others through.

And as for this virus You’re allowing Lord,
as painful for many as it may be,
help me live changed by the lesson,
that You Lord are indeed all I really need.