A message from Libby

It seems all of us are facing a battle of some sort, however big or however small. It could be illness, waiting for surgery, sadness of loss, coping with Covid 19, loneliness or family worries.

A key moment in Israel’s history is when the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the city of David. Samuel tells us that it happened in a moment of peace between battles.

When the ark was in place, symbolising God’s presence, David led the people in song. Together, the nation sang of God’s wonder-working power. “Look to the Lord”, they cried out, “seek His face always”.

Look to the Lord and His strength. Seek His face.

That’s not bad advice, When illness, family concerns and other battles overwhelm us, let us all hold on to our little lights of faith. We haven’t been left to fight on with our own waning energies, God is present, God is strong. Our God will get us through.

Father, we hand over our battles to you. We trust in Your strength and your promises.

Coronavirus prayer for God’s intervention and protection

Dear Creator of the World,

We come before you asking your mercy on us to halt the spread of the coronavirus. 

We pray for those already infected with coronavirus that they may receive prompt, effective and compassionate medical care that will restore them to health.

We pray your protection and grace for all medical professionals who are courageously treating those infected with coronavirus.  May they be shielded, strengthened and guided as they administer healing treatments and care. 

We pray your protection over those most vulnerable to disease, for our babies, our children, our elders, our poor, disabled and those weakened by other health conditions.

We pray for those under quarantine that they might be comforted by your presence and protected from disease, anxiety and fear.   

We pray for our public healthcare leaders and government agencies that they might be informed and well prepared as they deal with the coronavirus.  Grant them the resources and manpower they need to use their wisdom in the best interest of public health.

We pray for the researchers who are tracking the course of the coronavirus.  May they uncover patterns that will help us understand how to stay healthy. 

We pray for those searching for treatments, cures and vaccines.  May you guide them, reveal new ideas and accelerate their discoveries to fight this disease. 

We pray for the communities, areas and countries hardest hit by coronavirus.  Restore their sense of wellbeing and community.  Sustain them, comfort them and give them hope. 

We pray for all whose lives are disrupted by the coronavirus.   We pray for families who have been separated and for those whose livelihoods have been jeopardized.    

We look to you, Oh God, praying that the spread of the coronavirus will be halted and that many lives might be spared.

We pray that through this crisis you may draw us closer to you, grow our compassion and increase our knowledge.

Thank you that you are the Great Physician who not only heals us but who is a a very present help in our time of need as the Bible tells us that you “Took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.”  (Matthew 8 :17 NIV)

Thank you for hearing our prayer.

Amen.

Karen Barber    February 27 2020