In a crisis as this when the world is in a lockdown, those of us who believe in Jesus, ought to talk less but pray more. As we’re bombarded with discouraging news from every direction, disturbing statistics about deaths and new infections, it’s easy to give in to fear, engage in conversation and forget to pray.
However, our answer is found in prayer. The one who mobilized the Christian church to pray will make the greatest contribution in ending this crisis. The psalmist said “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalms 121:1-2).
Jesus taught his disciples to pray (Matthew 6:9-13 ). It’s time for his disciples to fall on their knees and cry out as their master has taught them to. Shall we pray?
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name
At a time as this, it’s proper for us to call upon your name because you’re our Heavenly Father. May your name be honoured in all the earth. You, Oh God, are deserving of our worship and praise. For your alone are God.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven
We long to see your kingdom reigning, not only in our hearts as believers since we belong to you but also in the nations. Lord, teach us to obey your will that the world may learn to obey you. May the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our God. May your will be the desire of the nations. Cause us to seek and glory in your will more than we seek and glory in human achievement. For you, Oh God, are King over the earth.
Give us today our daily bread
Thank you, Oh Lord, for supplying all our needs according to your riches in glory (Phil. 4:19)! We’re alive today because you have fed us with good food and refreshed us with choice wine. For you’re a good Father who knows how to give good gifts to his children.
Spare us, Oh God, from the Coronavirus, we pray! For this evil has overtaken us and we’re overwhelmed. You gave us a good world but look what mess our sin has caused. We hunger and thirst because we seek the wrong food and drink. Satisfy us or God with your goodness. We lift our eyes to the hill. Does our help come from there? Our help comes from You who created the heavens and the earth.
And forgive us our sins, as we also have forgiven those who sinned against us
Our sinfulness has brought so much brokenness and pain in our world. We’ve broken your law and ignored you in the world you created. You are right to judge and punish us. Lord, have mercy upon us! Forgive our sins and cleanse us by the blood of your son, Jesus. Help us to forgive those who have sinned against us so that we live in harmony with one another.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one
Our hearts are a factory of idols. We’re often enticed by our own evil desires and drawn away from your path. Lord, do lead us into tempting situations. When evil wants to overtake us, please deliver us. Deliver us from the evil one. Deliver us from evil. Oh God, deliver us from the Coronavirus. Amen!
Thank you for joining me in prayer