Whenever there is a crisis, we ask people to pray with us. Somehow we believe that God is more likely to hear a hundred prayers than He is only one. I disagree with that assumption, but I do think that too many times when we are asked to pray, we only give verbal assent and do not actually pray. With all of the needs in our world today, I came across a significant prayer in the Central Region Life magazine for American Baptists that is worth sharing. Why not use it during your prayer time as a real prayer?
Creator God, Who worked and created the world in six days, please hear our prayers during this time. We pray for all those who are working, especially those in the healthcare field like nurses, doctors, all medical staff and support employees in the hospital, that You would give them strength, energy and serenity as they care for all the sick and those with coronavirus.
We pray also for those who work as first responders such as our police, firemen and women, EMTs and the like, that You will keep them safe and strong so that they may help others.
We pray for all truck drivers, delivery persons and all who work in transportation that You will give them the rest they need and renew them as they continue to deliver so many important goods across our country.
We pray for all of the other workers, including teachers, business owners, those who work in the service industry and many others, that you would give them insight and wisdom so they can figure out how to use their gifts during this unusual time.
We pray for all those who work in military service, that You will strengthen them, protect them and keep them from harm.
We pray for our governmental leaders, that they would make good decisions and work for the good of all people and not to protect just the wealthy and big corporations.
We pray for all of those who are working from home, that You will help them with time management and also give them extra grace and strength as they care for beloved members at home.
We pray for all who have been put out of work, that You would provide help for them through families, friends, churches and community organizations and agencies.
We pray for all who are working on being patient, that You will give them tranquility and endurance.
We pray for all who are working on being peaceful and calm, that the Holy Spirit will help them to breathe deeply and let go of things they cannot control.
We pray for all who are working on being compassionate and merciful, that Jesus will be the example for them to follow.
We pray for all who are working on being helpful, that they will check on their family, friends, and neighbors in need and do what they can to offer assistance.
We pray for all who are working on being hopeful and joyful, that You will remind them that You are with us and never forsake us, that You love us and that we can put our faith and trust in You during these difficult times.
This prayer may be a composite from several sources since no author is listed, but it does list so many of the people and things that are occupying our minds and hearts these days. Instead of just saying, "I will pray about...," why not take the time and say this prayer either silently or out loud in your own way to God? The prayer is not intended to be either inclusive or perfect; it is only an example for you to follow in making your prayers to God real. Why not give it a try?
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Robert Box is the former chaplain for the Bella Vista Police Department and is currently the Fire Department chaplain. Opinions expressed are those of the author.