Prayer and Responsive Reading for Those Affected by Coronavirus
by Rev. Dionne P. Boissière
This may be done by household members, taking turns reading the "ONE" sentences and responses.
ONE: Holy One, we come to you in this moment of uncertainty and uncharted territory – facing this unprecedented global pandemic. Amid universal fear, panic, confusion, and anxiety, please remind us that you are the God that calmed the storm and made the winds to cease. We cry out to you!
MANY: Hear us O God of peace.
ONE: Benevolent Savior, you have called us to be your hands and feet in this world. As we face this crisis together, help us remember to be mindful of how we speak to, live with and treat one another. May we truly seek to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
MANY: Hear us O God of compassion.
ONE: Master Physician, there are millions now in desperate need of your healing touch. Look now upon those who are at highest risk – the immunocompromised, the elderly, those who have existing chronic health conditions, cancer patients, transplant recipients, dialysis patients, those who have been exposed to COVID-19 and are seeking testing or immediate medical attention.
MANY: Hear us O God our healer.
ONE: All seeing God, look upon those who are now living in isolation, those who must be separated from loved ones for safety reasons, those who are single and/or without support systems, the disabled, those who are already living with mental disease, emotional and psychological disorders, those who are poor and already do not have access to health care or social services. Help them know that social distancing does not mean social disconnection. Help us be the community that we seek.
MANY: Hear us O God of mercy.
ONE: Loving God, hear the cries of those who have lost loved ones to this virus or other ailments and cannot postpone their grief, but must refrain from gathering in order to care for the living, even while mourning their beloved who have died.
MANY: Hear us O God of comfort.
ONE: Discerning God, touch now those who are in decision-making positions, in governments, churches, corporations, and the like; help them to realize that their choices directly impact the lives and futures of our families, communities, countries and the wider world. Help them choose people over politics and the health of humanity over the wealth of individuals and profiteers.
MANY: Hear us O God of wisdom
ONE: God of justice, safety and care, we pray for all medical professionals, caregivers, researchers, teachers, first responders, law enforcement, school officials, those making decisions about fighting the new coronavirus. For the small business owner, the hourly wage worker, the uninsured, the undocumented and all those who will feel the economic impact of this pandemic on every level. Inspire those in position to develop better tests to diagnose the virus, vaccines to prevent it, and protocols and communication to eliminate the spread. May empathy be our guide.
MANY: Hear us O God of protection and grace.
ONE: Liberating God, remind us that we are still on the journey with Jesus during this Lenten Season. Restore our hope, renew our joy and give us your strength and remind us that resurrection will surely come.
MANY: Hear us O God of grace.
by Rev. Dionne P. Boissière
This may be done by household members, taking turns reading the "ONE" sentences and responses.
ONE: Holy One, we come to you in this moment of uncertainty and uncharted territory – facing this unprecedented global pandemic. Amid universal fear, panic, confusion, and anxiety, please remind us that you are the God that calmed the storm and made the winds to cease. We cry out to you!
MANY: Hear us O God of peace.
ONE: Benevolent Savior, you have called us to be your hands and feet in this world. As we face this crisis together, help us remember to be mindful of how we speak to, live with and treat one another. May we truly seek to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
MANY: Hear us O God of compassion.
ONE: Master Physician, there are millions now in desperate need of your healing touch. Look now upon those who are at highest risk – the immunocompromised, the elderly, those who have existing chronic health conditions, cancer patients, transplant recipients, dialysis patients, those who have been exposed to COVID-19 and are seeking testing or immediate medical attention.
MANY: Hear us O God our healer.
ONE: All seeing God, look upon those who are now living in isolation, those who must be separated from loved ones for safety reasons, those who are single and/or without support systems, the disabled, those who are already living with mental disease, emotional and psychological disorders, those who are poor and already do not have access to health care or social services. Help them know that social distancing does not mean social disconnection. Help us be the community that we seek.
MANY: Hear us O God of mercy.
ONE: Loving God, hear the cries of those who have lost loved ones to this virus or other ailments and cannot postpone their grief, but must refrain from gathering in order to care for the living, even while mourning their beloved who have died.
MANY: Hear us O God of comfort.
ONE: Discerning God, touch now those who are in decision-making positions, in governments, churches, corporations, and the like; help them to realize that their choices directly impact the lives and futures of our families, communities, countries and the wider world. Help them choose people over politics and the health of humanity over the wealth of individuals and profiteers.
MANY: Hear us O God of wisdom
ONE: God of justice, safety and care, we pray for all medical professionals, caregivers, researchers, teachers, first responders, law enforcement, school officials, those making decisions about fighting the new coronavirus. For the small business owner, the hourly wage worker, the uninsured, the undocumented and all those who will feel the economic impact of this pandemic on every level. Inspire those in position to develop better tests to diagnose the virus, vaccines to prevent it, and protocols and communication to eliminate the spread. May empathy be our guide.
MANY: Hear us O God of protection and grace.
ONE: Liberating God, remind us that we are still on the journey with Jesus during this Lenten Season. Restore our hope, renew our joy and give us your strength and remind us that resurrection will surely come.
MANY: Hear us O God of grace.
