A COVID-19 prayer for such a time as this

Dear Heavenly Father

We come before You and acknowledge our need of You more now than ever, because of the changes that have come so rapidly into our lives, changes that have swept through, and continue to, for such an indefinite time as is.

We pray for those who are ill and vulnerable,
for the dying and those who grieve,
merciful God, be with each one we plead.

Even though we may feel out of control,
we know that You are in control,
so, please, remind us of this fact.

Even though we may battle with fear,
we know that in You, faith is the way,
give us strength enough to keep running our race.

Even though we may feel we can’t keep up with the changes,
changes that make us nauseous and unsettled and anxious, 
we know peace is in You, even as You invite us to be still
(Ex. 14:14; Ps. 46:10).

Even though our livelihoods are threatened or shattered,
we know You are our security, so please, make for provision,
show us how You never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5-6).

For those stuck at home, we ask Your presence in their lives,
and even though we see others struggle when we may not
we ask that You relieve violence in homes where some have had enough.

Some are busier than ever, especially our health care workers
in all sectors, our police, and so many others;
we ask that You sustain and protect them.

Lord, we especially pray in the uncertainty of this virus,
not knowing truly how far vaccines are away,
not knowing how bad the lingering effects of the virus are,
that You would give us an extra portion of faith and peace,
and that You would cause us to pray for scientists everywhere.

We pray for our government, leaders and their advisors; give them energy, their hourly sustenance, clarity of thought, compassion, wisdom; now and in the days and months ahead.

In Jesus’ powerful and merciful name we pray, AMEN.

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash