Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you seeking your comfort, guidance, and protection. The news is swirling with accounts that are scary concerning the corona virus. So many are sick, some have died, and all are impacted by the resultant events in their local communities.
For those who are feeling afraid, we call upon the strong name of Jesus. More than any other command in all of scripture, you instructed us to not be afraid. Our times are in your hands, and we trust in you. You can use even the brokenness of creation to bring you glory; we ask that your resurrection power be at work in this situation and equip us with your hope.
For the individuals who are hospitalized, we ask that your protective care and healing be upon them. We know that your unconditional love continues to pull us near, even when others around us might be tentative or afraid. Be a felt presence with those who are fighting—help them to know the depth of your love anew.
For those who are tending to people who are sick, we ask for an extra measure of your grace. Give them the wisdom they need to effectively administer care while safeguarding themselves and others. You are our Healer; we give thanks for all who serve as instruments of healing. Be with their hands and feet as they serve as yours.
For the families who have lost loved ones, we pray for your peace. Welcome those who have passed on into the joy of your eternal home, a home where there is no more sickness nor pain. May they delight in your presence as we receive the comfort of that promise.
Father, we hate that we have seen these deaths, and we ask that you put an end to this virus. Strengthen our immune systems in fighting it. May the seasonal turn to warmer weather eliminate it. Be with those who are working toward preventative measures.
In the meantime, Lord, help us to make smart decisions. Guide us to do what we can to protect ourselves and our families, and then leave the rest to you. We offer our praise that we worship a God whose eye is on the sparrow. We know you are ever mindful of us and our wellbeing—that hasn’t changed.
As we as individuals pull closer to you, we ask that we as citizens of the world soften towards each other. The virus has impacted our common humanity, demonstrating that what unites us is stronger than what divides us. Help us to make inroads of connection with one another that will sow seeds of future blessing for all.
Your hope—like your love—is unflappable, always giving us reason to offer you thanks. We pray these words collectively in the victorious name of your Son, confident that you have heard us, Amen.
Want more inspiration? Read about the scriptural promises you can claim with confidence, or read this encouragement for scary seasons.
Rev. Noelle Kirchner, MDiv., believes we don’t have to live with full schedules and thin souls. A busy mom of three boys, she is passionate about making faith fresh and relevant. Noelle is a graduate of Princeton Seminary and an ordained Presbyterian minister who has served in churches for over ten years. She has written for places like the TODAY Show Parenting Team, Huff Post Parents, The Laundry Moms, and (in)courage. Her faith and family cable television show, Chaos to Calm, features parenting hot topics and has hosted two New York Times bestselling authors. Watch her episodes or sermons, connect with her on social media, and follow her blog by visiting her website, or receive her free devotional e-book.
