Prayer for the Day
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(August 7, 2020)
BOOK OF ORDER, CHAPTER 1
Friday, July 3 (A Prayer for the Fourth)
Monday, June 8 (photo: Gras Barthelemy)
How do we pray for our world in the midst of all the effects of COVID-19? The following is a list of different groups of people you might pray for. Go through the list, and let the suggested prayer ideas (in italics) help you bring these people, and ourselves, to God in prayer.
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A new prayer will be posted each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
See below for a list of those we can pray for during this pandemic.
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Prayer in the Time of Covid-19
Pray for:
Sick and those infected by Covid-19
- Those diagnosed with Covid-19, and those waiting for testing for the virus
- Those needing special care, especially ventilators, when the medical supplies to treat them are scarce.
- Those waiting for medical treatments that have been delayed by the need to focus on Covid-19
God, heal and help, sustaining bodies and spirits, keeping them patient and positive. Contain the spread of infection.
Those who are physically, emotionally, and financially vulnerable
- Elderly and those in healthcare facilities, or suffering from chronic disease
- Those already ill with other diseases (and at risk from further complications)
- Those with mental health challenges who feel isolated, anxious, and helpless
- The poor, and those without support and health insurance
- The homeless, unable to practice the protocols of social distancing in the shelter system
God, provide them every necessary support. Protect them from disease and provide support and shelter in every city.
Healthcare workers:
- Doctors, nurses, specialists, therapists, administrators
God, thank you for them, their dedication, their sacrifices.
Keep them safe and healthy; help them to be clear-minded in the midst of anxiety and panic. Help them to be knowledgeable about the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, as well as changing protocols, and give them compassion for every patient in their care. Deliver them from anxiety for their own loved ones (children, spouses, roommates, parents).
God, empower Christians in health care to exhibit extraordinary peace, so that they might be examples of our faith in eternal life. Give them opportunities to proclaim the gospel.
Scientists and researchers:
- Those developing new, faster tests for diagnosis
- Those working on medications to alleviate and cure the virus
- Those working on vaccines
- Those evaluating data to determine best plans and timelines for moving forward
God, give them knowledge, wisdom, and a persuasive voice.
Government officials:
- For our local, state, and federal government officials
God, help our elected officials as they allocate the necessary resources for combatting this pandemic. Help them to provide more tests.
Business leaders:
- Those making difficult decisions that affect the lives of their employees
God, give these women and men wisdom, and help them to lead self-sacrificially.
Workers:
- Workers who are keeping the rest of us supplied in our homes (grocery store workers, essential retail, mail and delivery people)
- Those working at home in exceptional circumstances
- Those who have experienced, or are facing, layoffs and financial hardship
- Educators who are completely revamping their educational delivery
God, keep them healthy, help them to be creative, protect them from panic, and inspire your church to generously support those in need.
Families:
- Couples and families working and living in unprecedented proximity
- Children and teens completing school year at home
God, 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 at home but have children who need care, help them to find creative solutions. Help all to be patient in new ways of living together.
College and university students:
- For those whose courses of study are changing, whose placements are cancelled, whose graduation is uncertain, who worry about their futures after graduation
God, show them that while life is uncertain, their trust can be in you.
Pastors and church leaders
- Those seeking to help the church be the church in a time of social distancing
God, help them to creatively imagine how to pastor their congregants and love their communities as well.
For the Church, and churches, around the world
- Churches in areas with high rates of infection
- Churches facing opposition and persecution
God, give them courage and creativity, provide them with words of hope, and equip them to love and serve those around them.
For all Christians, everywhere, in every neighborhood, community, and city around the world:
God help us to live as your children, being transformed to the pattern of Jesus, our Savior.
Help us to let the fruit of the Spirit shape every aspect of our character that we may be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled in all we do in this anxious-ridden time.
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.
Amen.
Adapted from: Jen Pollock Michel, “20 Prayers to Pray During This Pandemic,” Christianity Today (March 18, 2020).