A prayer in a day of anticipatory grief

God of all of us,

We cry out to you in this time of global grief, admitting to you that the COVID-19 crisis has got all of our attention.  We worry about our contracting the virus, for our financial and social survival, and for the lives of our loved ones.  And yes, Lord, many who are vulnerable are fearful of losing their own lives, and loved ones bear that burden too.

You know and you understand this, our anxiety.  You are more than well aware.

We herald you as Sovereign, our God.  We know that you alone are in control over all creation, over all of life, but that also means we may be confused as to why this is happening.  Please quell our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus and help us resolve to be hopeful each time we descend into despair.

We ask that you guide our governments to make sensible decisions that will seem drastic now to some.  We sincerely hope they exercise wisdom and due diligence.  We pray they govern for the longer term and resist the temptation to make policy and decisions for the shorter term.

Help us as we anticipate a tsunami of loss, even as we begin to taste the reality of horrible situations occurring.  Even as shock and numbing silence fills our minds, give us peace that accepts this is beyond our understanding.

Help us be there for each other and help us draw near to the support you provide as we need it.  Make this time a time when we found out more about how you have created us for community.  Open the door to more creative expressions of doing community in these trying days.

Help us when we’re sad, when we’re depressed, when we’re anxious, when we’re overwhelmed, when we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Clear a path for us back to you.  Make that a path that ensures we gain something from the losses we’re experiencing.

Help us most of all when we feel isolated, when we miss going out, and help us to abide by the law.  Indwell us with a hope that we can sit this out.  Give us the capacity to know that we can do this!

Help governments control borders and police to protect the streets.  We pray for the maintenance of peace and harmony as best as that can be achieved.

Help us again and again, each and every day, when we’re at the lowest ebb, as we see what seems to be a tidal wave approaching, to not be fearful, and to know we’re safe and isolated in our own homes.

Give us vigour for today and a vibrant hope for tomorrow, even as we stay steadfastly focused on the present hour.

In the comforting name of Jesus, we pray,

Amen.