BIAY - Psalm 6 - Covid
So yesterday’s Psalm in the daily readings is entitled “A Prayer for Recovery from Grave Illness.” Honestly, in reading the Psalm, I am not 100% sure how the NRSV translators got to that title but I have to admit that it is a bit ironic considering Covid showed up officially in our house yesterday. One of my kids tested positive after having many of the symptoms of the newest variant. (Side note - I have the same ones but am still waiting on my test results). Now, I know that this is not nearly as strong of a strain as the previous ones that have swept across the world and I’m honestly not anxious at all for my kids or for me as we wait this thing out.
But I am reminded of all of those who have been praying prayers exactly like this Psalm speaks of...
Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing;
O LORD, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror....
Turn, O LORD, save my life;
deliver me for the sake of your steadfast love...
I am weary with my moaning;
every night I flood my bed with tears;Psalm 6:2, 4, 6
I have borne witness to these feelings from those I know who have died from Covid-19 complications and from those I know who have lost loved ones close to them. And I have seen the weight that has been on health care workers and so many others who have been on the front line of this thing. I don’t know how many posts I have read from nurses and others who have been facing this head on for the last nearly two years.
So, as me and my family isolate at home and each are in our own spaces while two are not showing any symptoms so far, I pray this Psalm in lament for lives lost, for the weight of the grief and loss of these last two years, for those who are exhausted and yet show up each day to care for others, and for all who have been deeply affected by this virus.
Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.