Prayer for the Day

This page is going to be totally revamped over the coming days to provide not only access to the "Prayers for the Day," but also to provide suggestions for personal and group prayers. Please pray with us with the Prayer for the Day, but come back to use this for your own prayers as well!

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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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).