Every age is unique, of course, but we may be forgiven for feeling that this time of the Covid-19 pandemic is more so than others. In these extraordinary days of reopenings, ongoing and paused, it can be difficult to know how or what to pray.
At such times, a litany such as the following can guide us and give voice to our heart’s cries. Typically, litanies are recited in church as petitions, with a clergy member leading and the church body responding. If you find it helpful, feel free to adapt, revise and make these your own. Pray it alone or with others (for example, at a predetermined time, or in an online teleconference). Pray it once—or often:
Holy God, in these moments of extreme concern,
Grant us wisdom, peace and hope.
When all around us we see sickness and fear,
Strengthen us with courage and resolve.
For us and our loved ones,
Defend us and keep us free from harm.
On all who are stressed, anxious and fearful (even panicked),
Pour out a healing and calming balm.
For those who fall sick with the coronavirus,
Restore them to health and wholeness.
Among the doctors, nurses, hospital personnel, nursing home staff and others who are on the front lines of this pandemic,
Provide their needs, shield them from infection, and lift their weariness.
For those who have lost their jobs and income,
Meet their needs and replenish all they’ve lost.
For paramedics, police, firefighters and others who also serve on the pandemic’s front lines,
Surround them with Your care and give them safety and security.
For truck drivers, grocery clerks, food service workers, pharmacy and delivery personnel and all who staff the supply chains we all rely on,
Bless them with health, hope and safe return to their own loved ones.
To researchers, manufacturers and public decision-makers,
Grant life-saving speed and initiative, that through their efforts life-saving preventions and remedies will be developed and employed, improving people’s health now and in the future.
And, Lord, when these fiery trials have ceased,
Renew Your church and this world in ways only You could have foreseen and engineered.
In You, O Lord, we place our trust.
For You, O Lord, we wait in hope.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
