Prayers in response to the continuing coronavirus crisis (3)

A third prayer in response to the continuing coronavirus crisis, this one inspired by the ongoing need for social distancing, which remains important in controlling the spread of the disease.

As I keep my distance, Lord, from others,
teach me to respect them,
to value them,
to acknowledge them,
to care about them.
Though I must keep apart,
for their sake as much as mine,
remind me that we belong together,
bound by our common humanity,
by your love for all.
And though I must keep many still at arm’s length,
may that only be in body and not in spirit,
my concern for them not being diminished but enlarged –
my love,
my compassion,
my desire to reach out and respond remaining as real as ever,
and finding new ways in which it can be expressed.
Keep us safe, Lord,
keep us well,
keep us strong,
and though for now we must stay apart,
keep us also together.
Amen.