Lord, we are so thankful for your love for us. And I am so thankful that you have all things under control. When our lives are filled with uncertainty, confusion, fear of what’s going on and what’s coming next, we are reminded that this is all in your hands.
You are still in control and you will help us get through this. This pandemic is not a surprise for you. We know this virus is bad and many people are hurting, dying and grieving all across our world. Now, the virus and the resulting mandates have touched our lives and our community. But that is not a surprise to you, neither is it beyond your ability to turn this from something bad to something good.
Daniel R. Wiese
This is far beyond our ability, so we turn to you for help. We turn to you to accomplish your good and loving purposes in our lives, our community, and in our world.
I pray for those who are on the front lines working with medical issues, our doctors and nurses and all those caring for those who are sick. I pray for our police and first responders. I pray for grocery store workers and others who come in contact with the public whose lives are stressed because of all this. Reassure them, comfort them and give them the strength to endure each day.
I also pray for those who are seeking to find a vaccine or more effective testing or how to do more effective prevention. I pray for those who are seeking to provide necessary equipment to help those needs that are lacking.
I pray for our nation’s leaders, our state leaders and our local leaders who are working tirelessly through this uncharted territory, making decisions every day that directly impacts our lives. I pray for wisdom and guidance for them as they make these decisions.
I pray for those who are sick and those who have loved ones who are sick. I pray for your healing touch on their lives. Pour out your love and grace and power on their lives. And, Lord, I lift up those who are grieving from the death of their loved ones. Comfort them and give them strength them through this time.
I pray for those who are struggling financially, who have lost jobs, whose businesses have closed. I pray for our economy, Lord, that you will help us, give wisdom and opportunities as we seek your provision.
I pray for all of us who are experiencing various emotions and reactions because we are so isolated. Help us to find innovative ways to stay connected to each other. Help us not be overcome with fear, anxiety, loneliness or depression. Help us with your boundless love and grant us an extra measure of patience and great grace as we deal with those who maybe starting “to get on our nerves.” Bless family and marriage relationships. And, Lord, help us stay even closer to you as we rely on your help and your love and your presence. Thank you for loving us, for being there for us, whether we realize it or not. Thank you for what you are teaching us through this that we might trust You more, and seek you more. To You, Lord, be all the glory and honor, and to you we give our love, our devotion and our worship, Jesus.
In your name we pray, amen.
• Daniel R. Wiese is the pastor for Church of the Nazarene. “Living Growing” is a weekly column written by different authors and submitted by local clergy and spiritual leaders.
