One church in Canada has initiated a prayer response to Covid-19, which they have called, rather brilliantly, “Cover-91”. It is an idea named for today’s Psalm. Sometimes the Psalms can be tricky. It was, after all, part of Psalm 91 that the devil quoted to Jesus during their wilderness encounter in an attempt to persuade him to do something spectacularly stupid. Jesus responded, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” We must do our part and act wisely, but in the end our only refuge and safety is to be found as we rest in the presence and promises of God.

Psalm 91:1-6 (New Living Translation)
 
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.
For he will rescue you from every trap
    and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
    His faithful promises are your armour and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
    nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
​

Chris Denne