Prayers For One Another As The Pandemic Drags On

Well, in this past week we’ve seen an increase in the lockdown in England.  The 2 week lockdown in Northern Ontario has been extended.  Locally we’ve had our restrictions continued into February and I even read that China has locked down a city of several million after some covid-19 cases were identified.

During these days we need to give thanks for all we have and pray for one another.  So let’s do that today, shall we?

O heavenly Father, you have filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Almighty God, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ went about doing good, and healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people: Continue in our hospitals his gracious work among us; console and heal the sick; grant to the physicians, nurses, and assisting staff wisdom and skill, diligence and patience; prosper their work, O Lord, and send down your blessing upon all who serve the suffering, Amen

Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

O God, you made us in your own image, and you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Almighty God, whose Son had nowhere to lay his head: Grant that all those who live alone may not be lonely in their solitude, but that, following in his steps, they may find fulfillment in loving you and their neighbors.  Look with mercy, on all whose increasing years bring them weakness, distress, or isolation.  Provide for them homes of dignity and peace; give them understanding helpers, and the willingness to accept help; and as their strength diminishes, increase their faith and their assurance of your love.  Amen

O God, you heal the broken-hearted, and turn the sadness of the sorrowful to joy, Let your fatherly goodness be upon all whom you have made. Remember with compassion all those who are this day destitute, homeless, elderly, infirm, or forgotten. Lift up those who are cast down. Befriend innocent sufferers. Cheer with hope all who are discouraged and downcast, and by your heavenly grace preserve from falling those whose poverty tempts them to sin. Though they be troubled on every side, suffer them not to be distressed; though they are perplexed, save them from despair. Grant these requests, O Lord, for the love of him who for our sakes became poor, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.