A Prayer for Facing the Coronavirus

How do we pray when we’re facing a crisis like COVID–19? There isn’t a set formula or “right” way to do it. God knows what we need before we ask, and He’s more concerned with the condition of our heart than the words we speak. James 5:16 says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” If we are sincere in our faith and our petition, God will hear us and answer according to His purposes.

Even so, it’s hard to know where to begin when the needs are so great. May this prayer guide you as you ask God to intervene in the current coronavirus pandemic.

Father, we are living in a moment we never could have anticipated. And yet here we are, facing these uncertain times. When we stop for a moment to examine what’s important in our lives, at the center of it all is our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. And during times like this, that relationship is made even stronger. We realize more than ever how much He loves us. He is our trusted confidant in every situation, but we especially feel His presence during this crisis.

We ask you today, Lord Jesus, as our Savior, our Lord, our Friend, and our Healer, for the healing of our nation—and for the healing of the people of this land.

We pray, Lord, for those who are working on treatments to curtail this epidemic. We pray, Lord, for social distancing and other disciplines that we are engaged in to flatten out the curve of this disease and quell it soon.

Lord, you have so much you want to teach us through this trial. Help us not to forget that at this moment You want us to trust You, to depend on You, and to know that You are good. Help us remember that nothing happens to us that is not filtered through Your loving hands.

We pray for those who have this disease. We may not know them, but we know there are many who are suffering its effects today. We pray, Lord, that You will intervene in their lives.

We pray for our health care workers and others who are putting themselves in harm’s way to care for and offer comfort to those who are ill and to their families. We pray that You will keep them well and provide rest for them both physically and spiritually.

We pray, Lord God, for the people in the government who are managing this outbreak. We thank You for the expertise that is gathered on the team that is leading our nation, and we pray for each one of them.

And finally, Lord, we pray that You will help us remain strong against the enemy’s attacks. While we may not personally contract this virus, protect us from falling into the temptation to worry, which can distract us from the fellowship we enjoy with You.

Lord, we love You, we trust You, we believe in You, we know who You are, and we know that You love us more than we could ever imagine.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.