A Prayer for Our World

I’ve never experienced an international pandemic like the COVID-19 virus. As I watch the news and see entire schools, sports organizations, and countries shut down, I can’t deny that I’m a little bit nervous about what these next few weeks will bring. I’m sure there are many thoughts running through everyone’s minds, and that’s okay. I think it’s important for us to take this situation seriously without letting fear overtake us. 

As a pastor, I’m asking questions to myself about what church might look like if we are advised to suspend all public gatherings. I’m thinking of ways in which we can cooperate with our leaders in order to help in the prevention efforts. I’m thinking of the vulnerable people in our community, those who are isolated and for whom being disconnected from the world will feel unbearable. I’m also thinking of those whose work, studies, and activities are being affected by the COVID-19 virus. 

I’m sensing a growing amount of anxiety, panic, and fear in our North American context. Although this is a difficult time, I hope that this experience will bring us closer in touch with our humanity and deeper into our reliance on God for life. For that reason, I offer this prayer for our world. May the church be a witnessing community of grace and love. May we never forget our call to care for the vulnerable, the poor, and the sick. And may the church never cease in prayer for our neighbours, enemies, and our world.

Holy God, Creator of heaven and earth,

Jesus reminded us that because you care for the lilies of the field and each bird in the heavens, you also care and watch over us. You know what your world is going through and the challenges we face every day. You know the effects of natural disasters, wars, poverty, and sicknesses. Nothing is hidden from you and we thank you that you care for your world.

You see the panic, fear, and anxiety that has gripped our world over the past few months because of the COVID-19 virus. You know those who have become infected and those who have lost their lives. You know those whose lives have been affected and those who are worried about their studies, work, and future plans. You know those who are isolated and those who aren’t able to return home because of this virus. Nothing is hidden from you and we thank you that you care for your world.

We pray for protection.
This virus is claiming the lives of loved ones, especially the most vulnerable amongst our elderly populations. We pray for those affected and ask you to heal those who are suffering and in pain. We pray that you would guide our efforts to stop the spread of this virus and that no more lives would be claimed because of this outbreak.

We also pray for those who have been working hard to discover a vaccine. We pray that you would give them wisdom and strength as they continue to give their time to bring healing and hope to the world. We pray that you would remind us that you are all-powerful and we look to you for guidance, healing, and protection.

We pray for perspective.
There are many stereotypes about this virus and it has caused a lot of misunderstanding and pain for our communities around the world. Give us patience, understanding, and wisdom as we make decisions about how to deal with this pandemic. Give us perspective about the many other challenges we experience globally on a daily basis. 

We pray that we wouldn’t forget about those who suffer because of war, violence, abuse, hunger, poverty, and other sickness. Allow us not to be swallowed up by self-preservation to the extent that we take more than we need and ignore those who are in need around us. Call us back to our purpose to care for your creation. Call us back to our mission of loving the least of these through service and self-sacrifice. Call us back to yourself so that we can let go of our panic and trust in you.

We pray for perseverance.
You tell us so many times to not be afraid, and yet, so many of us are. Help us with our fear so that we can continue to follow the mission to be your church around the world. Give us perseverance for this unknown future. Give us wisdom to try new things in order to spread your love to the world. 

We pray that you would strengthen us through this trial. Give us wisdom and understanding through this experience. Give us grace when we get things wrong and when we overlook our call to be your body in a broken and hurting world. Give us the compassion and care for those in the world for whom this kind of panic and fear is a constant reality.

Above all, God, we declare that you are bigger and more powerful than the COVID-19 virus or any other threat to your creation. We put our hope in you for the future of this world and trust in you to bring us through. Walk with us, we pray.

Amen.