Liturgy During A Pandemic

Our help is in the Name of the Lord; The Maker of heaven and earth. 

God of the present moment;
God who in Jesus stills the storm and soothes the frantic heart; 
bring hope and courage to us as we wait in uncertainty. 
Bring us courage to endure what cannot be avoided, 
for your will is health and wholeness; 
you are God, and we need you. 

Confession:
Heavenly Father, we confess to you our fears, our worries, and our anxieties. 

[pause for silent prayer] 

You have given us your perfect love which casts out all fear and your peace which transcends all understanding, but even still we feel dislodged, displaced, untethered, and uncertain during these times.

We believe, Lord; help our unbelief 

Jehovah Shalom, the God who brings peace has said: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.”

Intercession:
Give us grace and courage to hope, and to risk disappointment. 
Teach us to pray expectantly, 
and when our prayers seem to fail, 
bring us to pray again and again; 
for you are our God, 
who acts, and will act again. 
Hear this prayer for your love’s sake. 

Jehovah Rapha, the God who Heals, we ask you to protect us from the spread of coronavirus. You are powerful and merciful; let this be our prayer: 

“Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” 

For those who are vulnerable, sick and those who have been exposed; 
grant them strength, healing and protection. 

For their loved ones and caretakers; 
grant them peace and endurance. 

For those reeling with fear and grief; 
grant them comfort in their turmoil and hope in their despair. 

For world leaders, national leaders and local leaders; 
grant them sound minds, courage and humility. 

For physicians, nurses, researchers, paramedics, and all other healthcare employees around the world; 
grant them resilience, discernment, compassion and the resources to do the work before them. 

For those who must work, despite the threat of sickness; 
grant them protection and continued provision.

For everyone dealing with loss of work and financial impacts of this pandemic; 
grant them comfort, wisdom and financial provision.

For churches and their staff; 
grant them discernment and creativity to lead and minister in unprecedented circumstances. 

For parents and families; 
grant them understanding, patience and joy. 

For children and teenagers; 
grant them protection from fear. 

For those for whom home is not a safe haven; 
grant them refuge. 

For those who are alone; 
grant them a sense of your nearness and love. 

For all navigating decisions during this time of uncertainty and fear; 
grant them your wisdom and peace. 

And for all the prayers we cannot voice because our language is insufficient or our unawareness too great; 
Lord, hear our prayer. 

Closing Prayer:
May El Shaddai, the Lord God Almighty who loves you, protect you. May Jesus Christ, the one who died for you, save you. And may the Holy Spirit who broods over the chaos and fills you with the Lord’s presence, intercede for you and in you for others at this time. 

Amen.