As we move through August and look to the fall ahead, this is a good time to be in prayer.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer….
- For those facing evictions because they have no funds to pay rent.
- For those who have lost employment and may not have a job to return to.
- For small business owners, non-profits, communities of faith that are doing their best to stay open and carry out their mission in difficult circumstances with no clear end in sight.
- For nurses, doctors and others in the medical community that are offering care in difficult situations.
- For government leaders who are facing conflicting demands and have no clear path to follow to navigate through the pandemic. Help them find ways to advance the common good over their own ambition or party.
- For those who cry out for justice and for a more perfect union where all persons are recognized as valuable and racism is no longer embedded in our culture and institutions.
- Prayer for those who are alone in nursing care or other care facilities where the virus threatens to make people sick and protecting people from the virus leads to isolation and loneliness.
- For parents with young children at home who are stretched to provide childcare while managing all the other challenges of work and running a home.
- For children that can’t easily go out and play, be with friends, go to school and take part in sports.
- For teachers, administrators, students and staff that will have to find a way to learn and be engaged even when buildings will remain closed.
- For those who are weary with all the disruption of the coronavirus and just wish to go back to the way things were before.
God, you have promised never to leave us or forsake us. We are used to plowing ahead with life and making plenty of decisions on our own. Now in this moment, we realize that we have far less command over our lives than we thought. Help us to find hope and strength in you that will see us through the challenges we face. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Stay healthy and may God be with you.
–Pastor Steve