New Normal: Discerning the Rhythm of Lament, Thanks, and Praise in Bad Times and Good

by Paul Mercer, Beth M. Stovell (foreword)

These prayers of lament, thanksgiving, and praise arose out of worship at Bayside Uniting Church in Queensland, Australia after May 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic challenged worship “as usual,” since services were restricted to online gatherings. During this time, Paul Mercer felt stirred to discern how he could contribute positively within his own faith community. Over Easter 2020, he recognized the possibility of writing congregational prayers, both for in-person gatherings as well as online use. These were based on the weekly morning and evening liturgical readings of each Sunday as the pandemic gripped the world stage. What emerged was an eclectic set of integrated Old and New Testament “psalms” that follow the liturgical year. As people gather in Christ, amidst both “bad times” and “good times,” they can receive the strange gift of a “new normal” world. May the circulation of these “new normal” prayers be to the glory of God.

Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2024