Our families and children are experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime historical event. There are lots of changes, questions, and new realities we are facing. In the midst of all this change we have the opportunity to point our kids to an unchanging God, who is our source of peace and hope. As you navigate the coming days as a family, below are five prayers (based on Biblical truths) that you can pray together in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
A Prayer of Worship
“Dear God… We know that you do not change. Even when the world and what is happening around us changes – you do not. You are still perfectly good, kind, loving, and just today as you were yesterday. And you will be the same tomorrow. We worship you for who you are. You were still good when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. You were still good when Jesus died on a cross. And you are still good now, and you will always be good. Help us to not view you differently because of what’s happening around us. Instead, help us to have confidence in who you are, always.”
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
“Dear God… We know that you use everything for your glory and for the good of your people. While we can’t understand why certain things happen, or everything that you are doing – we are thankful that you do. There are lots of changes happening right now and lots of stories about sickness throughout the world. We might not understand everything happening around us, but we are thankful that you understand. We ask that you would give us peace and patience in the times that we don’t understand.”
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8
A Prayer of Hope
“Dear God… We know that Jesus is our hope. He came and lived the perfect life we couldn’t, died the death we deserved, and rose again to make our future hope secure. Whether our circumstances seem good or bad, our hope is always in Jesus. Nothing will change his love for us and the hope of heaven we have in him. One day there won’t be sickness, pain, tears, or even death… because of Jesus! We look forward to that day! Until then, please help us to remember the hope we have in Jesus.”
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12
A Prayer of Learning
“Dear God… Because you are a good, heavenly Father you are always teaching us. You are even able to use the current difficulties to teach us, change us to be more like your son, and to give us strength for each day. During these uncertain days we ask that you would teach us. Help us to cherish, read, and understand your Word, the Bible. As we do, we ask that you would make us more like your son, Jesus. Help us to love and serve both you and each other in a way that would make your heart glad.”
“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5
A Prayer of Mission
“Dear God… There are a lot of people near us who have, or are going to have, different kinds of needs. We know that you have chosen to use your people, the church, to love and care for those in need. Help us to see what family members, friends, and neighbors need, to help them where we can, and to share about the hope of Jesus with them. Help us to find ways to especially care for and love those who are facing significant challenges in the midst of this sickness – the elderly, people working in hospitals, and people who serve our communities.”
“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’” Mark 16:15