ONE: Benevolent Savior, you have called us to be your hands
and feet in this world. As we face this crisis together, help us
remember to be mindful of how we speak to, live with and treat one another. May
we truly seek to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. MANY: Hear us O God of compassion.
ONE: Master Physician, there are millions now in desperate need
of your healing touch. Look now upon those who are at highest risk – the
immunocompromised, the elderly, those who have existing chronic health
conditions, cancer patients, transplant recipients, dialysis patients, those
who have been exposed to COVID-19 and are seeking testing or immediate medical
attention. MANY: Hear us O God our healer.
ONE: All seeing God, look upon those who are now living in
isolation, those who must be separated from loved ones for safety reasons,
those who are single and/or without support systems, the disabled, those who
are already living with mental disease, emotional and psychological disorders,
those who are poor and already do not have access to health care or social
services. Help them know that social distancing does not mean social
disconnection. Help us be the community that we seek. MANY: Hear us O God of mercy.
ONE: Loving God, hear the cries of those who have lost loved
ones to this virus or other ailments and cannot postpone their grief, but
must refrain from gathering in order to care for the living, even while
mourning their beloved who have died. MANY: Hear us O God of comfort.
ONE: Discerning God, touch now those who are in decision-making
positions, in governments, churches, corporations, and the like; help them to
realize that their choices directly impact the lives and futures of our
families, communities, countries and the wider world. Help them choose people
over politics and the health of humanity over the wealth of individuals and
profiteers. MANY: Hear us O God of wisdom
ONE: God of justice, safety, and care, we pray for all medical
professionals, caregivers, researchers, teachers, first responders, law
enforcement, school officials, those making decisions about fighting the new
coronavirus. For the small business owner, the hourly wage worker, the
uninsured, the undocumented and all those who will feel the economic impact of
this pandemic on every level. Inspire those in position to develop better tests
to diagnose the virus, vaccines to prevent it, and protocols and communication
to eliminate the spread. May empathy be our guide. MANY: Hear us O God of protection and grace.
ONE: Liberating God, remind us that we are still on the journey
with Jesus during this Lenten Season. Restore our hope, renew our joy and give
us your strength and remind us that resurrection will surely come. MANY: Hear us O God of grace.
The Rev. Dionne P. Boissière is
chaplain at the Church Center for the United Nations.
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