While many of us are sheltering in place and self-quarantining to help stop the spread of Covid-19, others are on the front lines, healing and helping in often heroic ways. To offer our spiritual support and appreciation for all their work, here are easy and effective daily prayers to offer for those serving us in this difficult time.
For Doctors, Nurses and Hospital Personnel
God our Father, in these dangerous times, please watch over the medical professionals—doctors, nurses, hospital personnel, nursing home staff and others—who are on the front lines of this pandemic. As they care for the sick and injured, they place themselves in harm’s way for the sake of others. Supply their needs for protective gear and effective equipment. Protect them from infection and shield them from exhaustion. Amen.
For Paramedics, Police, Firefighters and Military Forces
Heavenly Father, we who practice “social distancing” for our own health and the health of others call on you on behalf of those who can’t protect themselves: paramedics, police, firefighters and military forces. As they fulfill their duties and provide for the safety and security of others, please provide for their own safety and security, surrounding them with Your care and the awareness of the public’s gratitude. Amen.
For Grocery Store, Food Service, Pharmacy and Sanitation Workers
Lord, what diligence, courage and stamina have characterized the grocery, restaurant, pharmacy and sanitation workers whose labors have kept us fed and supplied during these strange days. Please bless and keep them. Protect them from disease and also from the rudeness of stressed and thoughtless customers. Grant that their efforts and their faithfulness will be rewarded now and long after this crisis has passed. Amen.
For Truck Drivers and Delivery Personnel
Lord Jesus, You told Your followers, “do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink” (Matthew 6:25, NIV). It would be much harder to obey those words if it weren’t for the faithful, hard-working truck drivers and delivery personnel who have kept supply chains moving in these fretful times. Bless them in their long hours and long distances with health, hope and safe return to their own loved ones. Amen.
For Prisoners and Prison Staff
Abba, Father God, Your Word says to “remember those in prison as if You were together with them” (Hebrews 13:3, NIV). Particularly in a time of pandemic, those who are imprisoned and those who staff the prisons are similarly endangered by the spread of an infection they can’t escape. Please surround the vulnerable with Your protection and deliver them all from the dangers both inside and outside the prison walls. Amen.
For Researchers and Manufacturers
Father in heaven, thank You for the many researchers and manufacturers who have already responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with life-saving speed and initiative. Please bless their efforts and increase their numbers. Grant that through their efforts life-saving preventions and remedies will not only be developed and employed, but also that the benefits will abound and improve people’s health and prospects in new ways long after this particular threat has passed. Amen.
These six prayers are only a start, of course, but as we pray these things together, we can hope and believe that God will bring some good out of this pandemic and pray for a future in which people around the world are more mindful of each other and better prepared for whatever new challenges we may face.
