I walked by many ‘closed’ signs and locked doors of businesses the other day. Once again it was a disheartening experience.  I thought of the many people who at one point found great delight in turning the key to open the door, welcoming clients to enter.  I considered those who once had a place to go every day, using the giftings they have been given to serve in various capacities. I imagined the statistic of all who have not had a job to go to for many, many months. I groaned for those who worry about paying rent. I wondered about those families that are feeling tensions as financial needs have become more acute.

We must not forget the impact of the ‘closed’ sign on the lives of many individuals and families. It has been and remains a rough road for many.

Sometimes I feel helpless to help. I can do a small part in financially supporting others, like a generous tip to someone who isn’t working many hours. But, realistically, when I pause to think of the negative effects this pandemic has had on many lives, I sense my inadequacy to help…except that I remember the door that is never closed.

Today I am inviting you to join me at that open door.

Perhaps you recall that when Jesus Christ breathed his last breath on the cross the very, very thick, material curtain that hung in the temple, separating the people from the holy place where God was known to dwell, was torn in two.  The torn body of Jesus was represented in this tearing of the veil.  That curtain/veil had always separated people from being in the direct presence of God.  When Jesus gave up his last breath, the door to God’s throne room was opened. 

“So, friends, we can now—without hesitation—walk right up to God, into “the Holy Place.” Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The “curtain” into God’s presence is his body” (Hebrews 10:20). 

The door that opened that first Easter will never close. Jesus made a way for us to come directly to God. We come directly in prayer today. In this place, where the door is always open, words are never dropped, and ears are always attentive. We pray fervently for those we know, and do not know, who have been impacted by the word ‘closed.’ We intercede, even with tears, seeking the mercy, strength, and grace of God for others.

I invite you to join me at the door, humbly, knowing:

Here is the place for the lifting of burdens,
Here is the place of freedom from care;
Here is the place where the sinner finds pardon,
Here is the place where God answers prayer.                                                           

(757: Here Is The Place For The Lifting Of Burdens)

God of the open door, we come to you. We enter your presence and acknowledge your delight in receiving us and our words.  This pandemic has closed doors, creating heavy burdens for many. We enter humbly asking that you hear and answer the prayers we pray for those who are crumbling under the weight of their burden. Lighten their burden and bring hope to their souls.  Make us instruments of your grace today.  AMEN

With care and in prayer,