This Easter is like none other we have ever experienced. Yet, Christ has still risen!  Amen! His Church is still the Church, whether we are gathered or scattered. We may be apart, but we can come together in worship and prayer.

LET’S TALK

In fact, prayer is our greatest privilege. It is our opportunity to talk with God. Not only are we allowed, but God asks us to ask. He longs for us to come to him with our requests and needs. Here are six prayers, specifically for these unprecedented times. Please pray them and add to them as you take time with God.

1. A Prayer for those who are fearful and struggling with depression.

Heavenly Father. Thank you that you are the God of all comfort. Many of us are struggling. We are anxious about the future. Many are not doing well in isolation. Some of us are grieving over the death of a loved one. We are human and so vulnerable. Thank you that you are the God of all comfort. You are our Rock and our Fortress. So we ask for more faith to trust You more. May we know the peace only You can bring.

“Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.”  Psalm 31:2

2. A Prayer for who are sick because of the Corvid-19 virus.

Lord Jesus, you are our healer. We lift up those who are currently sick and ask you to touch them with your healing power. We also ask for a cure and that the spread of this virus would stop. Please give wisdom to the doctors and nurses as they treat them. We pray for your divine presence and power to touch and heal.

“Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint;
heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.” Psalm 6:2

3. A Prayer for the health workers and first responders.

Lord, please protect those who are caring for others. We lift up the nurses and doctors and law enforcement who are on the front lines. Please give the caregivers the needed equipment and protective gear. We ask for adequate rest and strength for the long days of care they give unselfishly to others. Bless them. May they rely on You as so many rely on them.

“May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.” Psalm 20:1

4. A Prayer for those facing financial hardships

Father, you are our provider. All good things come from you! We know that we can be content, whether we have plenty or little. Thank you for your promise to meet all our needs, “according to the riches of your glory in Christ Jesus!” So we come to you in our time of need. Please provide for those who are struggling with shortages. May you provide and meet their needs financially and in every way.

“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy
your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:10

5. A Prayer that the Church will be a light in these dark times.

Lord God, we never imagined being in this situation even a month ago but none of this surprised you. Thank you for how you are using these uncertain times for Your glory. May it awaken in us our need for You. May we see a revival sweep our world. Oh God! we pray that we will see many come to faith in You. Show us how we can be your hands and feet to those in need around us. AMEN.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 4:16

6. A Prayer for preparations for Easter services this coming Sunday.

Jesus, thank you that You are our risen Savior. Thank you for your sacrifice on the cross and your victory over death. This Sunday will seem so different for us. We pray for our pastors and congregation as they prepare for this coming Sunday. May we hear the Good News of your resurrection in a fresh and powerful way.   May the world hear this message of hope and put their trust in You this Easter!

“’…Do not fear, for I myself will help you,’ declares the Lord,
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:14

BEFORE YOU GO

God can take any trial, including this pandemic, and turn it into a triumph (Romans 8:28).  I’m reminded of that familiar Easter message: “Yes, it’s Friday… but Sunday is a coming!” It may seem dark and hopeless at times, but Jesus will bring us through this! He is our victory!

Let’s celebrate this Easter with hope. He is risen! He is risen, indeed!