God, our Father and our Mother,
May we seek refuge under the shadow of your wings,
and draw near to you for peace and comfort in this tumultuous time.
O Lord, let our souls rise up to meet you
as the day rises to meet the sun,
Morning by morning,
New mercies we shall see.
Our eternal hope, your love never fails us,
Guide us through this season,
that we may not avoid struggle,
but open ourselves to blessing,
through the cleansing depths of repentance
and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit.
Lord, in Your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Caught between joy and despair,
we yearn for the fulfillment of your desire
beyond the brokenness and neediness of this life.
We offer thanksgiving for your presence with us
And offer our petitions for the transformation
of the church and the world.
Lord, we lift up the vulnerable, the hungry, the sick, the eldery,
Those considered the least of these,
Lord Christ, you traveled through towns and villages curing every disease and illness
Grant them healing and safety.
We pray for the doctors, nurses and healthcare workers around the world,
Give them daily wisdom and endurance as they work to help those in need.
Lord, we pray for our government officials in their decision making,
May truth and empathy be the touchstones of people setting policies for our protection.
Lord, may you inspire research scientists as they work to develop better tests,
ways to diagnose the virus, and create vaccines to prevent it.
Lord, we lift up business owners and families faced with impending economic hardship.
You are our source of providence, present in their time of need.
May you provide jobs, equity and resources to pay bills and meet any financial obligations.
Lord, we are truly grateful for every grocery store worker and delivery driver,
May you bless them and protect them from all harm,
Grant them grace when dealing with disgruntled customers and food shortages,
And keep their cars and trucks running smoothly as they deliver needed supplies and food.
Lord, in Your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Life-giver, Pain-bearer, Love-maker,
day by day you sustain the weary with your word
and gently encourage us to place our trust in you.
Awaken us to the suffering of those around us;
save us from hiding in denials or taunts that deepen the hurt;
give us grace to share one another’s burdens in humble service.
Lord Christ, May your peace go with us,
May you guide us through this wilderness
protect us through the storm;
May you bring us refuge and strength
And reveal the wonders you have shown us;
may you bring us home rejoicing,
once again into our doors.
All this we ask through Christ, our Lord. Amen.