Dear God,

Yes, I am an introvert. But, God, on Resurrection Sunday, I was very disappointed in not being able to sit close, hug, lay my hand upon someone’s shoulder for prayer, and celebrate face-to-face with the brothers and sisters of Shepherd of the Falls Lutheran Church in American Falls and Providence Downtown Church in Idaho Falls.

Lord, I know I sound like I am whining and complaining to You. I am very thankful this past Sunday that You gave me the opportunity at early sunrise to stand up on the Pancheri Bridge to rejoice over Christ’s resurrection with Pastor Beau Floyd of Emmaus Road Church. I praise You, God, for the opportunity to stand up on top of the flatbed of a semi-truck and pray for our city’s pastors and churches during the Drive-In service with Pastor Jose Favela of Iglesia Centro Evangelistico in the parking lot of Shopko.  Thank You so much! Also, I loved the opportunity to swing over to the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission Women & Children’s Shelter (the Ruth House) in the early afternoon to share Your words of hope and to pray with the small handful of homeless women–my friends.  But, Jesus, it was awkward on Resurrection Sunday 2020 in Idaho Falls to wear gloves and a mask and practice very unnatural social distancing as we declared Your power and glory!

Dear God, I know that there are Lone-ranger-in-the-woods-on-Sunday worshipers and sit-at-home-with-a-television-on-Sunday worshipers, but we know that these expressions of Christianity are woefully inadequate.  Dear Father, when I became a Christian long ago in Idaho Falls, your Spirit placed me in a Body.  How can eyes, ears, hands, and feet of the same living, breathing Body stay separated from one another? How long, Lord?

Father, I think of the words of the ancient psalmist who worshiped You (Psalm 126),

When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, the LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad. Bring back our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the South. Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

We grieve now, O Lord GOD; but we trust You for abundant fruit and great joy on the horizon of tomorrow.

And, God, if I could once more, add my lament over not being able to attend the Nursing Pinning Ceremony and Class of 2020 Graduation for my daughter, Hannah Wood, at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina on May 7-8, 2020.  All the sweat, blood, tears, and sacrifice over the years in scrimping along and paying college tuition–now this capstone celebration is in the ash heap because of an unseen vile virus. I don’t understand it, God.  Is it, that on Thursday, May 7, where I wanted to be at a Nursing Pinning Ceremony clear across the country, you simply desire for me to pour out my heart to you all day–the National Day of Prayer? What are You asking of me, God?

And my youngest boy, Micaiah Wood, who is scheduled to graduate from Skyline High School on Wednesday, May 27 . . . what a mess.  No spring sport. No opportunity to compete in state competition. No awards ceremonies. No senior Lagoon trip. No Senior parties. A graduation commencement that lingers in the future, out of our grasp and uncertain. This kid of mine was born in the shadow of the terrorist attack of 9/11 on America.  Now, he graduates in the cloud of the coronavirus pandemic.

O God, I ache today.

In your mercy, hear my prayer. Work Your glory in my gloom.

In Jesus’ name,

Todd