On Thursday 2nd April, we have been called to observe a day of prayer and fasting in regard to the Covid-19 pandemic. In fasting we abstain from food for a time in order to humble ourselves before God in prayer. There are many matters that we can include in our prayers. Let each of us do what we can in making a special effort to pray in this time of crisis at home and abroad. Joel 2: 12-13: ‘Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and He relents over disaster’.
Here are some ways in which we can pray and matters to pray for:
Praise God for His mercy and compassion, and that He is the One who rules over all that happens across the face of this earth.
Confession of personal sin. Confession of the sins we have been guilty of as a church. Confession of the sins of our nation in forsaking God, in making gods out of things like money, work and sex, in abandoning the Lord’s Day, redefining marriage, legitimising the taking of the life of the unborn and many other such acts of rebellion.
Thank God for already granting recovery to some people who have had the virus. Thank Him for His promise to never leave us nor forsake us. Thank Him for the eternal life we have in the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank Him for the willingness of so many to give of themselves in seeking to save lives.
Pray for the sick, the vulnerable and the grieving. Pray for God’s peace for those who have great fear in their hearts. Pray for recovery for those who are already ill. Pray for comfort for those who have lost loved ones.
Pray for all who are working to help the sick and needy, whether they be in hospital or in the community. Pray for protection, energy, stamina and the ability to cope in very testing circumstances. Pray that adequate resources will be available for workers to be able to safely carry out their duties.
Pray for those who are still out and about in the community doing necessary work, such as those involved in haulage, farming, staffing shops etc.
Pray for political leaders and those high ranking professionals who advise them on what needs to be done and when it needs to be done. Pray for wisdom in all these decisions and for a recognition of their need of help from on high.
Pray that many will be brought into the kingdom as a result of these times. Pray that God will turn people’s thoughts to eternal things and draw many to the Lord Jesus for salvation. Pray that when we are able to meet again for worship, there will be many new faces among us and that we will have much cause to praise the Lord.
Pray that God will refine His people through these days of pandemic. Pray that we will be strengthened in our faith, in our love for the Lord and in our love for each other. Pray that we will be able to have a positive Christian witness. Pray that we may find many ways in which in the midst of all the sadness, we can identify the good purposes of God in all of this.
“LORD, I have heard the report about You and I fear O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years. In the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy”. Hab 3:2.