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Joshua 1:9 ESV

“Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Gracious God, at the start of a new week, and as the issue of loneliness is highlighted in our national press, we lift before You all those who begin the week feeling a sense of solitude and isolation. We know that the pandemic has increased feelings of loneliness with the restrictions that have been placed upon us. And yet we acknowledge too that loneliness is not just a lack of the physical presence of others, but that we can feel lonely in a crowded room, when our minds are troubled with something we do not feel able to share, maybe an illness, financial concern, relationship issue or any situation that makes us feel vulnerable. Lord God, help us as communities to be aware of those feeling isolation or alone at this time. Help us to create opportunities for contact and for conversation, so that all people may feel that there is someone who cares for them. Help us to spread the message of the living presence of Your son, Jesus Christ. May we know the comfort and assurance of journeying with Him, wherever we are and in any situation, through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.