Prayers for the World
The number of people affected by Covid -19 around the world continues to grow -- those who are ill, those who have lost loved ones, and those who live in fear. We lift them to God, trusting in His work of healing, comfort, and peace.
Heavenly Father, Healer of all, we lift to you all those who are suffering especially at this time. We cling to Your mercy and look to You for all healing, comfort, and peace.
"Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16
Family members of those who have died. Family who cannot visit ill parents. People who cannot work and cannot afford not to work.
Holy Spirit, Comforter of all, we lift to you all those who are afraid, those who mourn, those who do not know where to turn. Open their eyes and ours to know the peace You give in the promises of our Savior, Jesus.
"But God will never forget the needy;
the hope of the afflicted will never perish" Psalm 9:18
While there are many remaining at home, there are many who have continued to work even when most dangerous. We thank God for those in health care – using God-given gifts for research and to care for others – and for those who continue to serve in the community – firefighters, police officers, grocery store workers, etc.
Heavenly Father, we lift to you all those who serve. For those serving at home in new ways - caring for children, working from home; for those serving in the community for the safety and good of us all. We ask that you continue to hold them in Your hand of safety.
"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2
Leaders around the world and in our communities are being faced with unprecedented choices based on everchanging information. We lift political, business, and religious leaders to our unchanging God asking Him for wisdom, endurance, and peace.
Holy Spirit, we thank You for all those given the responsibility of leadership. We ask for Your guidance and wisdom that opens eyes, minds, and hearts - that leadership nationally and locally would take place according to Your will for the good of all people.
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." I Timothy 2:2
For Your creation, that we would turn to You in time of trouble and seek Your ways. Work mightily and quickly. Have mercy on us, Lord.
"Do not hold against us the sins of past generations;
may your mercy come quickly to meet us,
for we are in desperate need.
Help us, God our Savior,
for the glory of your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins
for your name’s sake." Psalm 79:8-9
God IS at work even in (especially in) times of trouble. We ask that the Lord would open our eyes to see His hand at work. And open our lips to share with a world living in fear the Hope He gives!
We thank You, O God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that Your mercy is great and Your promises are sure. Open our eyes to see You at work and to join You in proclaiming Your goodness, mercy, and love.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose….Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?... For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:28,35,38-39