Father in Heaven,

We are facing challenges that none of us have ever faced before in our lifetime. Many of us are only leaving our homes for essential tasks, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy. Many of us are now working from home. Schools are closed, with students completing their school year at home. We are following the guidelines from our government leaders and medical experts to stop the spread of the coronavirus by practicing social distancing.  Many of us have not seen family members for weeks. Churches have not been able to gather for worship, and sadly will not be able to meet for worship on Easter Sunday. We pray for our pastors as they adapt to leading in a new way, including live-streaming the worship services.
Father, we turn to you to help us against the spirit of fear and anxiety. We pray that you would protect people worldwide from getting this virus. For those who do get it, we pray for complete healing. For those most at risk, those who are older and/or have serious health issues, we pray for special protection. We pray for those doctors and nurses, techs and EMT’s on the front line, bravely risking their own safety each day to care for us.  We pray that hospitals will be able to obtain the amount of masks, gloves, gowns and ventilators that they will need to protect their health care workers.
We pray for our families, our churches and our friends. We miss being able to be with them at this time. Please heal our land, LORD! Use this unique time in our lives as we distance ourselves from other people to draw us closer to You.
We ask these things in Jesus name, Amen.

“Be still, my soul: your God will undertake
to guide the future as he has the past.
Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake;
all now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
his voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.”

“Be Still, My Soul” (Katharina von Schlegel, 1855; Translated by Jane Bothwick)