Here’s a thoughtful compilation of things to pray for during the
current coronavirus pandemic. It was written by Jen Pollock Michel and posted on
her blog (see the link below).
Praying in Pandemic
For the sick and infected. God, heal and help. Sustain bodies and
spirits. Contain the spread of infection.
For our vulnerable populations. God, protect our elderly and those
suffering from chronic disease. Provide for the poor, especially the uninsured.
For the young and the strong. God, give them a commitment to take
all necessary precautions to keep from unwittingly spreading the disease.
For our local, state/provincial, and federal governments, that
they would allocate the necessary resources for combatting this pandemic. May
more tests be made readily available.
For our scientific community, those leading the charge to
understand the disease and communicate its gravity. God, give them knowledge
and a persuasive voice.
For the media committed to providing up-to-date information. God,
help them to communicate with appropriate seriousness without causing panic.
For consumers of media, looking to be well-informed. God, help us
find the most helpful local information to equip us to be good neighbors. Keep
us from anxiety and panic, and help us to implement the recommended strategies,
even at cost to ourselves.
For those with mental health challenges, who feel isolated,
anxious and helpless. God, provide them every necessary support.
For the homeless, unable to practice the protocols of social
distancing in the shelter system. Protect them from disease and provide
isolation shelters in every city.
For international travelers facing challenges with returning to
their home countries. God, help them to return safely and quickly.
For Christian missionaries throughout the world, especially in
areas of high rates of infection. God, provide them with words of hope and
equip them to practically love and serve.
For workers in a variety of industries facing lay-offs and
financial hardship because of this pandemic. God, keep them from panic, and
inspire your church with your generosity and love.
For families with young children at home for the foreseeable
future. Help mothers and fathers to partner together creatively for the care
and flourishing of their children. For single mothers and fathers, grow their
networks of support.
For parents who cannot stay home from work but must find care for
their children. God, present them with creative solutions.
For those in need of regular therapies and elective treatments
that may now be postponed. God, help them to stay patient and positive.
For business leaders having to make difficult decisions affecting
the lives of their employees. God, give these women and men wisdom, and help
them to lead self-sacrificially.
For pastors and church leaders faced with the challenges of social
distancing. God, help them to creatively imagine how to pastor their
congregants and love their cities well.
For Christians in every neighborhood, city, community. May your
Holy Spirit, inspire us to pray, to give, to love, to serve, and to proclaim
the gospel that the name of Jesus Christ might be glorified around the world.
For frontline healthcare workers:
1. God, keep them safe
and healthy. Keep their families safe and healthy.
2. God, help them to be
knowledgeable about the diagnosis and treatment of this disease and the
changing protocols.
3. God, help them to
stay clear-minded in the midst of the surrounding panic.
4. God, deliver them
from anxiety for their loved ones (aging parents, children, spouses,
roommates).
5. God, give them
compassion for every patient in their care.
6. God, provide for them
financially, especially if they fall ill and are unable to work.
7. God, help Christians
in healthcare to have strong faith such that many would ask the reason for
their hope. Give them opportunity to proclaim the gospel.
8. God, for graduating
residents whose board exams have been cancelled: provide creative ways for this
to be addressed that they may finish their training.
God, we trust that you are good and do good. Teach us to be your
faithful people in this time of global crisis. Help us to follow in the
footsteps of our faithful shepherd, Jesus, who laid down his life for the sake
of love. Glorify his name as you equip us with everything needed for doing your
will. Amen.
~ written by Jen Pollock Michel and posted on her blog, https://www.jenpollockmichel.com/blog?offset=1584698400193.
