Father God, we are grateful for the gospel and for the forgiveness of our sins, for the imputed righteousness of Christ, and so we rejoice in those gifts. But, oh Lord, in our present circumstances for there is much suffering, there are many who are dying, many in great pain, and many who have loved ones who are in hospitals and are unable to visit them. Parents are separated from children, and children are separated from parents. Many have lost jobs; they are fearful of the future.
We pray that you would not allow our perplexity to give way to despair. We pray that in these trials that you would fill our hearts with grace to rejoice because, even though we find ourselves in the midst of this pain, we know that you are conforming us to the image of your Son. In our weakness reveal your strength; strengthen your church, we pray. May we not surrender to the present circumstances. Strengthen the body of Christ. May we pray more and rest more in the finished work in Christ. At the same time, oh Father, we pray that you would bring an end to this virus and suffering—that you would end the virus and end it miraculously. For you undoubtedly have the power to do this.
We pray, Lord, that you would bring a great spiritual awakening where people would see their need for Christ and the gospel; that droves of people would turn to Christ because they find nowhere else to turn. Oh, that your church would be strengthened and that you would swell our ranks with many new believers. Bring forth revival.
We pray for the medical workers who courageously work on the front lines, willing to risk their lives for those in need. We pray for our government officials that you would give them wisdom in making good decisions, at the state and federal levels. We pray for the elders of your churches that you would give them wisdom.
Oh Lord, we long for the day when we can reunite for worship together—when we can partake of the Lord’s Supper, embrace, shake one another’s hands, and have an anticipation of what it will be like in the new heavens and in the new earth. But until that day, grant us patience. Grant us the peace that surpasses all understanding. Fill our hearts with joy even in the midst of these great difficulties.
We pray and ask all of these things in Christ’s holy and precious name. Amen.