According to Wikipedia, “a crisis is any event that is going to lead to an unstable and dangerous situation affecting an individual, group, community, or whole society.” We are currently in a crisis as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. To try to slow down and prevent the spread of the virus, many preventive measures had to be taken. Executive orders to “social distance”, shelter or stay-at-home, self-quarantine, shut down of restaurants, bars and public gathering spaces to slow down the spread of the virus have so deeply affected every aspect of our lives. From housing insecurities, layoffs and furloughs, to the disproportionate rate of black people dying from Coronavirus the burden is too much to bear. Today we offer this scripture and PRAYER FOR… THE BATTLES we engage during this pandemic.
2 Chronicles 20:15,17 (NRSV)
15 He said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat: Thus, says the Lord to you: ‘Do not fear or be dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours but God’s. 17 This battle is not for you to fight; take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”
Let us pray:
Lord God, thank you for sending us your Word. In Proverbs 4:20, your word brings live and radiant health to our body, mind, and soul. Today oh God we seek the fullness of your promises. We are battling sickness and disease, poverty and lack, insecurity and instability, fear and doubt, resentment and blame, and the list goes on. We offer the song of lament, “I want Jesus to walk with me, all along my pilgrim journey, Lord I want Jesus to walk with me.” Walk with us Lord as we face such a frightening future. We may not know what tomorrow brings, cause us to experience your blessed assurance that we will be alright. Faithful God, help us to trust you in these times of uncertainty. Let us rest on your words of comfort. When we are weak and overcome with fear and doubt, help us to feel your presence. Remind in our inner hearts your words to fear not; to rest assured that today you promise that you will fight our battles. In the battle that attacks our mental wellbeing, Lord, protect our minds from depression, isolation or anxiety. Fight to protect our family members on the front lines of this disease. Great Physician, healer of every ill, share your healing nature with the medical professional. We thank you, Lord God, our provider, that you will meet our every need according to your riches in Christ Jesus. Lord, in our weakness, when we are at a loss for words and don’t know what to pray for, thank you Holy Spirit with groans too deep for words. And Lord, when this burden gets too heavy, and the grief and anger come, be merciful. Receive our hearts cries and release your peace.
Lord God of Resurrection, when doubt comes and the battle mounts on, show up in our closed spaces, speak a word of peace and comfort. In your shelter, Most High, we take our position, stand still, and see the Lord victorious on your behalf. Amen
Rev. Babette Chatman