Words of Hope & Comfort | Responses to COVID-19 from
The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago
As all of us shelter in place during this time of COVID-19, there is still much that we can do to support each other. We believe in the wisdom of our sacred teachings and in the power that they offer to all persons in moments of crisis.
In that spirit, members of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago share these words of hope and comfort drawn from our faith traditions. We will continue to update this listing with additional selections.
We offer these brief prayers and sacred writings as a reminder that we have overcome great trials in the past and that together we have the strength to sustain and restore our community in days to come.
In that spirit, members of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago share these words of hope and comfort drawn from our faith traditions. We will continue to update this listing with additional selections.
We offer these brief prayers and sacred writings as a reminder that we have overcome great trials in the past and that together we have the strength to sustain and restore our community in days to come.
Asayo Horibe, Buddhist Council of the Midwest
To all our Brothers and Sisters in the Community of Humanity,
This is a challenging time for each and everyone of us. We are fortunate to have our spiritual practice to guide us. We must first take care of of ourselves and know we can then with confidence proceed to share with others.
The Golden Chain
I am a link on the Buddha's Golden Chain of Love that stretches around the world. I must keep my link bright and strong.
I will try to be kind and gentle to every living thing and protect all who are weaker than myself.
I will try to think pure and beautiful thoughts, to say pure and beautiful words, and to do pure and beautiful deeds, knowing that on what I do now depends my happiness and misery.
May every link in the Buddha's Golden Chain of Love become bright and strong, and may we all attain perfect peace.
This is a challenging time for each and everyone of us. We are fortunate to have our spiritual practice to guide us. We must first take care of of ourselves and know we can then with confidence proceed to share with others.
The Golden Chain
I am a link on the Buddha's Golden Chain of Love that stretches around the world. I must keep my link bright and strong.
I will try to be kind and gentle to every living thing and protect all who are weaker than myself.
I will try to think pure and beautiful thoughts, to say pure and beautiful words, and to do pure and beautiful deeds, knowing that on what I do now depends my happiness and misery.
May every link in the Buddha's Golden Chain of Love become bright and strong, and may we all attain perfect peace.
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archdiocese of Chicago
Almighty and merciful God,
source of all life,
source of all health
and source of all healing,
look with compassion on our world, which suffers because of this disease;
protect us in the midst of all the challenges we face
and because you love us
grant recovery to the sick,
grant strength to those who care for them,
and success to those working to fight this sickness.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
source of all life,
source of all health
and source of all healing,
look with compassion on our world, which suffers because of this disease;
protect us in the midst of all the challenges we face
and because you love us
grant recovery to the sick,
grant strength to those who care for them,
and success to those working to fight this sickness.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Rohinton Rivetna, Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Chicago
A Supplication
In uncertain times there is no greater solace than that offered by one's reliance on the wisdom of their faith.
Seek that wisdom from your Priest, Rabbi, Imam, Pastor, Preacher and bask in the sunshine of their wisdom.
Choose to live life for yourself, your family and your neighbor and enhance this world with deeds of kindness and understanding; extend yourself to all questioning minds, for it is Nature’s God alone that knows the why’s and the where-off’s whose wisdom cannot be fathomed.
Abide by Nature’s Laws for Nature is the greatest leveler and harmonizer whose wisdom comes wrapped in layers of wrappings which when it is unwrapped layer by layer reveals itself to us mortals.
So, let us keep the faith, let us remain steadfast in our fellowship, let us follow the guidance of the wise and all will be well.
In uncertain times there is no greater solace than that offered by one's reliance on the wisdom of their faith.
Seek that wisdom from your Priest, Rabbi, Imam, Pastor, Preacher and bask in the sunshine of their wisdom.
Choose to live life for yourself, your family and your neighbor and enhance this world with deeds of kindness and understanding; extend yourself to all questioning minds, for it is Nature’s God alone that knows the why’s and the where-off’s whose wisdom cannot be fathomed.
Abide by Nature’s Laws for Nature is the greatest leveler and harmonizer whose wisdom comes wrapped in layers of wrappings which when it is unwrapped layer by layer reveals itself to us mortals.
So, let us keep the faith, let us remain steadfast in our fellowship, let us follow the guidance of the wise and all will be well.
Bishop Calvin Monson, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
“Whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.” (Alma 36:3).President Russell M. Nelson recently said:
“My dear friends, our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ know us, love us, and are watching over us. Of that we can be certain. These unique challenges will pass in due time. I remain optimistic for the future. I know the great and marvelous blessings that God has in store for those who love Him and serve Him. I see evidence of His hand in this holy work in so many ways. . . . I love you. I pray for you. I promise that you will receive comfort and peace as you continue to hear Him.”
“Whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.” (Alma 36:3).President Russell M. Nelson recently said:
“My dear friends, our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ know us, love us, and are watching over us. Of that we can be certain. These unique challenges will pass in due time. I remain optimistic for the future. I know the great and marvelous blessings that God has in store for those who love Him and serve Him. I see evidence of His hand in this holy work in so many ways. . . . I love you. I pray for you. I promise that you will receive comfort and peace as you continue to hear Him.”
Rabbi Reni Dickman, Chicago Board of Rabbis
The Passover matzah is both the bread of affliction and the bread of redemption. The word for Egypt in Hebrew is Mitzrayim which means "narrow spaces." Out of our affliction came redemption. From narrow spaces we emerged into the vast wilderness of Sinai where we drew close to God and learned to live as a sacred community. Today we find ourselves in narrow straits searching, working, and waiting for redemption. May the God of our ancestors be with us now and carry us through these narrow straits to a time of freedom for all humanity.
The Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton, Community Renewal Society
Faith Fuel
By Rev. Ebony D. Only, Community Renewal Society
Reading : 1 Kings 17:1-16 NRSV
Life is sometimes full of surprises. We have our lives all planned out. We have visions for our future and know where we want to be in our relationships, in our friendships, on our jobs, educationally and financially. Some of us have even boiled it down to knowing we want a loving, kind, forgiving spouse, 2.5 children, a 4000 sq. ft. house w/picket fence a BMW 735i. Oh, we have plans.
We start out our day with blue skies and sunshine. There may be a little nip in the air, a few flurries of snow on the ground but all in all everything is coming up roses. Our plans are coming to fruition, our future is in sight and what we’ve dreamed of we almost have it in our hand and then life sends us a curve ball and now we have to take that which we’ve saved or that which we’ve planned to spend on that trip and do something else with it. We did everything they told us to do to make it right, but still there are times that our provisions simply run out. Why does God send us through that, what is our God doing? How is it that I have run out of provisions?
Well this passage teaches us that our lack of provisions does not mean that our God doesn’t have a plan. Just keep the faith!
1. Have faith in God’s Will (v. 5)
2. Have faith in God’s Work (v. 13 and v15)
3. Have faith in God’s Word (v. 14)
Prayer
Lord equip us with fuel for this journey ahead and with the knowledge and wisdom that diminishes our fear. Equip us dear God with the recollection of the ways that you have brought us over, out and through before to calm our anxiety. Give us dear God fuel for this journey. Amen.
By Rev. Ebony D. Only, Community Renewal Society
Reading : 1 Kings 17:1-16 NRSV
Life is sometimes full of surprises. We have our lives all planned out. We have visions for our future and know where we want to be in our relationships, in our friendships, on our jobs, educationally and financially. Some of us have even boiled it down to knowing we want a loving, kind, forgiving spouse, 2.5 children, a 4000 sq. ft. house w/picket fence a BMW 735i. Oh, we have plans.
We start out our day with blue skies and sunshine. There may be a little nip in the air, a few flurries of snow on the ground but all in all everything is coming up roses. Our plans are coming to fruition, our future is in sight and what we’ve dreamed of we almost have it in our hand and then life sends us a curve ball and now we have to take that which we’ve saved or that which we’ve planned to spend on that trip and do something else with it. We did everything they told us to do to make it right, but still there are times that our provisions simply run out. Why does God send us through that, what is our God doing? How is it that I have run out of provisions?
Well this passage teaches us that our lack of provisions does not mean that our God doesn’t have a plan. Just keep the faith!
1. Have faith in God’s Will (v. 5)
2. Have faith in God’s Work (v. 13 and v15)
3. Have faith in God’s Word (v. 14)
Prayer
Lord equip us with fuel for this journey ahead and with the knowledge and wisdom that diminishes our fear. Equip us dear God with the recollection of the ways that you have brought us over, out and through before to calm our anxiety. Give us dear God fuel for this journey. Amen.
Gregory Abdullah Mitchell, J.D., Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago
This health crisis is a time to remind each other that all power resides with our Creator, to whom we seek refuge and comfort. It is time to remind each other that this crisis a test of our faith, not an omen of damnation. It is a time to remind each other to care for the needs of our neighbor.
Finally, it is a time to be thankful. It is a time to give thanks to our Creator and all those who stand on the battle-line against this surge: police officers who maintain order, doctors, nurses, and ambulance personnel, who care for the sick, truck drivers who maintain the delivery of goods and services we depend upon daily, and to the many other workers who continue to perform their jobs despite the risks of infection.
Our gratitude and prayers for your continued well being.
Finally, it is a time to be thankful. It is a time to give thanks to our Creator and all those who stand on the battle-line against this surge: police officers who maintain order, doctors, nurses, and ambulance personnel, who care for the sick, truck drivers who maintain the delivery of goods and services we depend upon daily, and to the many other workers who continue to perform their jobs despite the risks of infection.
Our gratitude and prayers for your continued well being.
Dr. Balwant Singh Hansra, Sikh Religious Society
The world is going up in flames - shower it with Your Mercy, and save it!
Save it, and deliver it, by whatever method it takes.
The True Guru has shown the way to peace, contemplating the True Word of the Shabad.
Nanak knows no other than the Lord, the Forgiving Lord.
- Shalok, Third Mehl (853-11, 853-12) http://www.srigurugranth.org/0853.html
Save it, and deliver it, by whatever method it takes.
The True Guru has shown the way to peace, contemplating the True Word of the Shabad.
Nanak knows no other than the Lord, the Forgiving Lord.
- Shalok, Third Mehl (853-11, 853-12) http://www.srigurugranth.org/0853.html
Swami Varadananda, Vivekananda Vedanta Society
Oh Lord, lead us from the unreal to the Real,
Lead us from darkness to Light,
And lead us from death to Immortality.
May all be free from dangers,
May all realize what is good,
May all be actuated by noble thoughts,
May all rejoice everywhere.
May all be happy,
May all be free from disease,
May all realize what is good
May none be subject to misery.
May the wicked become virtuous,
May the virtuous attain tranquility,
May the tranquil be free from bonds,
May the freed make others free.
May good betide all people,
May the sovereign righteously rule the earth,
May all beings ever attain what is good,
May the worlds be prosperous and happy.
May the clouds pour rain in time,
May the earth be blessed with crops,
May all countries be freed from calamity,
May holy men live without fear.
May the Lord, the destroyer of sins,
The presiding Deity of all sacred works, be satisfied.
For, He being pleased, the whole universe becomes pleased,
He being satisfied, the whole universe feels satisfied.
Lead us from darkness to Light,
And lead us from death to Immortality.
May all be free from dangers,
May all realize what is good,
May all be actuated by noble thoughts,
May all rejoice everywhere.
May all be happy,
May all be free from disease,
May all realize what is good
May none be subject to misery.
May the wicked become virtuous,
May the virtuous attain tranquility,
May the tranquil be free from bonds,
May the freed make others free.
May good betide all people,
May the sovereign righteously rule the earth,
May all beings ever attain what is good,
May the worlds be prosperous and happy.
May the clouds pour rain in time,
May the earth be blessed with crops,
May all countries be freed from calamity,
May holy men live without fear.
May the Lord, the destroyer of sins,
The presiding Deity of all sacred works, be satisfied.
For, He being pleased, the whole universe becomes pleased,
He being satisfied, the whole universe feels satisfied.
Shayda Safapour, Baha'is of Chicago
`Abdu’l-Bahá, the son of Baha’u’llah (founder of the Baha’'í Faith)
"The darkness of this gloomy night shall pass away. Again the Sun of Reality will dawn from the horizon of the hearts. Have patience, wait but do not sit idle; work while you are waiting; smile when you are wearied with monotony; be firm while everything around you is being shaken; be joyous while the ugly face of despair grins at you; speak aloud while the malevolent forces of the nether world try to crush your mind; be valiant and courageous while men all around you are cringing with fear and cowardice. Do not yield to the overwhelming power of tyranny and despotism. Serve the cause of democracy and freedom. Continue your journey to the end. The bright day is coming. The nucleus of the new race is forming. The harbinger of the new ideals of international justice is appearing. The trees of hope will become verdant; the copper of scorn and derision will be transmuted into the gold of honor and praise; the arid desert of ignorance will be transformed into the luxuriant garden of knowledge; the threatening clouds shall be dispelled and the stars of faith and charity will again twinkle in the clear heaven of consciousness."
"The darkness of this gloomy night shall pass away. Again the Sun of Reality will dawn from the horizon of the hearts. Have patience, wait but do not sit idle; work while you are waiting; smile when you are wearied with monotony; be firm while everything around you is being shaken; be joyous while the ugly face of despair grins at you; speak aloud while the malevolent forces of the nether world try to crush your mind; be valiant and courageous while men all around you are cringing with fear and cowardice. Do not yield to the overwhelming power of tyranny and despotism. Serve the cause of democracy and freedom. Continue your journey to the end. The bright day is coming. The nucleus of the new race is forming. The harbinger of the new ideals of international justice is appearing. The trees of hope will become verdant; the copper of scorn and derision will be transmuted into the gold of honor and praise; the arid desert of ignorance will be transformed into the luxuriant garden of knowledge; the threatening clouds shall be dispelled and the stars of faith and charity will again twinkle in the clear heaven of consciousness."
The Rev. Donald Senior, C.P., Catholic Theological Union
“Pandemic” by Lynn Ungar
What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath--
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now,
on trying to make the world
different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
Center down.
And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives
are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.
Promise this world your love–
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live.
What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath--
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now,
on trying to make the world
different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
Center down.
And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives
are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.
Promise this world your love–
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live.
The Rev. Dr. B. Herbert Martin, Sr., Progressive Community Church
Divine Creator, who from one blood created all nations that dwell upon the earth and whose genetic stamp we bear, we come to you in this present crisis. This pandemic is one that is deadlier than than our science has answers for.
We call on you dear Redeemer who operates on the outer limits of human intelligence for the answer to all things mysterious!!!
Daily our brothers and sisters contract this virus become sick and some lives are lost. Confusion, fear, worry loom.
Bolster our confidence, arouse our spirits, strengthen our resolve, fortify our faith, and give us peace that you will never leave us or forsake us.
In the name of all the prophets gone before us and in Jesus name I pray,
AMEN
We call on you dear Redeemer who operates on the outer limits of human intelligence for the answer to all things mysterious!!!
Daily our brothers and sisters contract this virus become sick and some lives are lost. Confusion, fear, worry loom.
Bolster our confidence, arouse our spirits, strengthen our resolve, fortify our faith, and give us peace that you will never leave us or forsake us.
In the name of all the prophets gone before us and in Jesus name I pray,
AMEN
