Today has been declared a National Day of Prayer in the USA. Prayer is powerful. Imagine a whole country—a whole world—collectively praying. I have witnessed the power of prayer in my own life and in the lives of others. Though I’m Canadian, I join our neighbors in the US and share my offering below. Won’t you join me in praying in the midst of this health crisis?
Lord our God,
We come into your presence with thankful hearts for your tender mercies and lavish kindness. We are grateful for your unfailing care and love. We are thankful that you never leave us or forsake us, and will never do so, especially in our time of great need.
Despite the chaos we see and hear and experience in the natural world, we also understand and are reminded that you are still in control and haven’t left us or forsaken us.
We confess our fear and worry and release it to you. In its place, we take your peace and find our comfort and rest in you. Please fill our troubled hearts and minds with your presence.
We are grateful that you are our provider and have given us all we need. We confess that we have so often taken your provision for granted, behaving self-sufficiently as though we are the ones in control. Please forgive us and have mercy on us. Teach us greater trust in you.
Thank you, Father, that despite the intense fear, anxiety, and panic that exists within the world in this current situation, there is much beauty, joy, and even peace to be found. Please teach us to rest in you. Show us how to be peaceful and be peacemakers.
In place of selfishness, ugliness, or a scarcity mindset, please give us generosity, grace, strength, and a sound mind and strong body to serve others in their time of need. May the best of our human condition rise and reflect Christ.
May we shine in this desperate hour, heaping kindness and love on those in our midst, spreading peace over panic and replacing judging with joy. May we step out to serve others instead of recoiling in fear and depravity.
We ask for your wisdom to navigate the rapid changes we see unfolding and affecting our freedom and finances. May we rest in your protection, provision, and presence trusting you will meet all our needs according to your riches in glory. (Philippians 4:19)
We remember we are precious to you and you have told us to, “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” (Luke 12:24) Thank you for this reminder of our great worth. Instill in us greater trust in you to meet all our needs.
God, give our government discernment to help diffuse this situation and rise to peacefully and strategically protect the citizens whom they represent. We ask for your protection over our loved ones, especially the young and elderly, those who are immune-compromised, and the heroes working on the front lines in health care. Help us to collectively do all we can to support and protect others.
Help us to remember that the joy of the Lord is our strength and that, “… his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” (Psalm 18:30-32)
May we also recall that at all times we can “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100:4) May our giving of thanks and praise drive out the darkness and fear, leaving room for laughter, joy, and peace.
Lord, please give us heavenly hope. Let us not be downcast but choose to look upward and be reminded that you are the source of our help and comfort. “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)
Thank you, Father, that you are our help and our hope in these uncertain times. We accept your divine comfort and declare our love and trust in you.
Amen
I leave you with this blessing:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
In need of some encouragement? Click here to purchase my 31-day devotional Soul Focus – Trials
