The New Testament has a great deal to say about prayer. It presents Jesus to us, who was Himself a man of prayer. It records His wonderful Prayer of Example, often called “The Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-12). It gives us one of His parables that reminds us “that men ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). It tells us to “Pray without ceasing” (Philippians 5:17). It reminds us that “the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers” (1 Peter 3:12). It instructs us to pray and not to worry (Philippians 4:6).
In these difficult times, as we are faced with COVID-19, I encourage us to do exactly what the New Testament instructs us to do, and that is to pray. Please consider the list below.
✓ Pray for our national, state, and local leaders, as they try to help us navigate through this pandemic. Whatever decisions they make will not please everyone but pray that they may they have the wisdom and courage to do what is best for all.
✓ Pray for first responders and health care workers, the men and women who are on the front lines. They are exhausted, often working without all the necessary equipment and supplies, and are placing themselves at risk by doing what they do. Pray that God will bless and protect them.
✓ Pray for those who already have the virus and those who are especially vulnerable, because of underlying health issues. Pray for their comfort, health, healing, and protection.
✓ Pray for those who have already lost their jobs due to the virus and for those who may lose their jobs if things do not improve soon. Pray that they would have the necessary resources to survive this crisis. Pray that those of us who have would be willing to share with those who are in need.
✓ Pray for those who are continuing to work, such as those who drive the trucks, stock the shelves, and wait on us at check-out. They put themselves at risk by working to keep us supplied with the things we need. Thank God for them and pray that they will be kept safe.
✓ Pray for our church leaders, who have never had to lead our congregations through such a thing as this. Pray that they will be true to God’s Word, while seeking to keep their members safe. Pray that they will continue to lead and serve, though it may be in new ways. Pray that they will help us understand that our buildings may be closed temporary, but the church never is.
Maybe you can think of others, but the point is clear—PRAY!
✓ Pray for our national, state, and local leaders, as they try to help us navigate through this pandemic. Whatever decisions they make will not please everyone but pray that they may they have the wisdom and courage to do what is best for all.
✓ Pray for first responders and health care workers, the men and women who are on the front lines. They are exhausted, often working without all the necessary equipment and supplies, and are placing themselves at risk by doing what they do. Pray that God will bless and protect them.
✓ Pray for those who already have the virus and those who are especially vulnerable, because of underlying health issues. Pray for their comfort, health, healing, and protection.
✓ Pray for those who have already lost their jobs due to the virus and for those who may lose their jobs if things do not improve soon. Pray that they would have the necessary resources to survive this crisis. Pray that those of us who have would be willing to share with those who are in need.
✓ Pray for those who are continuing to work, such as those who drive the trucks, stock the shelves, and wait on us at check-out. They put themselves at risk by working to keep us supplied with the things we need. Thank God for them and pray that they will be kept safe.
✓ Pray for our church leaders, who have never had to lead our congregations through such a thing as this. Pray that they will be true to God’s Word, while seeking to keep their members safe. Pray that they will continue to lead and serve, though it may be in new ways. Pray that they will help us understand that our buildings may be closed temporary, but the church never is.
Maybe you can think of others, but the point is clear—PRAY!
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