Sunday, March 15 has been declared a National Day of Prayer in light of the impact of Covid-19. Let’s pray together.

Dear Lord,

May our families be strengthened in this time. With more time together at home, may we strengthen our communication. May we laugh together, pray together, and play together.

Protect those working in our health systems. Give them peace instead of fear. Give them wisdom, compassion, and protection.

Protect leaders making decisions that affect our world, nations, states, counties, and communities. Give them energy and clear minds. Help them to make decisions based on facts, not fear.

Protect our mental health. Help us to set up our homes in a way that encourages life. Help us to go outside as much as possible to remember just how big and powerful our Creator is. Protect us against depression, anxiety, and fear.

Be with those who have loved ones in facility centers, and who are walking alongside aging parents or loved ones in late-life stages.

Be with parents who have children with underlying health conditions. Comfort them, guard them against fear, and give them a sound mind to make wise decisions for their family. Provide the supplies and medicine they need.

Be with those who own businesses affected by this pandemic. Give them wisdom in how to care for their teams. Provide for them in areas of supplies, strategy, and creative solutions.

Be with those who are or will be quarantined. Protect them against loneliness and anxiety. Guard their minds from “what-if” scenarios. May they feel Your nearness like never before.

Help parents in finding the right words to explain this virus and its impacts to their children. Help us to communicate not fear, but hope, love, and faith. Protect our children from anxiety as they see the world around them changing.

Grow our communities stronger. As we find creative solutions to serve and help one another, protect us from selfishness, fear, or greed. Grow our compassion.

Lord, we know You are in control, just as You have always been. We trust You.

In Jesus’ powerful name, amen.